The Legend of the Four Bloody Stripes
One of the most know legends in Catalonia is the one that tells us about the origin of our Flag and our Shield (The four red stripes over a golden shield). This legend appeared for the first time in the " Catalonian of Arms Book" in 1420.
The legend tells that when a count named Guifré el Pilós (Godfrey the Fuzzy) came to an age when he was capable to rule his lands, the Emperor Carlos el Calvo ( Charles the Bold), was fighting against the Normans. Most noblen no slemen where killed or injured in that battle. The very same Guifré who had bravely won the battle, laid down seriously injured.
When the Emperator came to know it, he went to the Count's tent to visit him and realised that his wounds were very serius and that he was bleeding to death.
As Guifré had fought very bravely, a lot of countries (France, Germany, Italy and Spain) felt really proud of him. Emperator Carlos el Calvo, decided to grant him with a wish the Count had always asked for, his own shield with his own emblem.
The Emperator Them, moistened four of his right hand fingers with the blood of Guifré's wounds and then passed them once and again fron the top to bottom of Guifré's golden shield, until he drew four stripes.
According to the legend and since thenthe County of Catalonia's emblem would be the four red lines over a yellow base.
All we can say about it, is that it's a pity that it's only a legend. Very few National Ensigns in the whole world have such a human and interesting origin.
Daniel