Spain's Flag: Correcting the "Two Red Stripes" Misconception

The premise of the question is incorrect: the flag of Spain does not have two red stripes.

Actual Design (Constitution of 1978, Article 4.1)

The national flag consists of three horizontal stripes:

• Top: Yellow (gold) – height = 1/4 of flag height
• Middle: Red (carmine) – height = 1/2 of flag height (double each yellow stripe)
• Bottom: Yellow (gold) – height = 1/4 of flag height

Ratio: 2:3 (height:width). The coat of arms (off-center toward hoist) appears on the state flag and ensigns; the civil flag omits it.

Symbolism (Traditional/Heraldic)

• Red: Valor, blood shed for the nation, strength.
• Yellow/Gold: Generosity, wealth of the empire, sun.
• Coat of arms: Quartered for Castile (castle), León (lion), Aragon (pales), Navarre (chains), Granada (pomegranate); Bourbon-Anjou escutcheon (fleur-de-lis); Pillars of Hercules with Plus Ultra motto; Crown.

Historical Note

The red-yellow-red triband originated in 1785 under Charles III for naval ensigns (to distinguish from other Bourbon flags). It became the national flag in 1843 under Isabella II. The current version dates to 1981 (post-Franco restoration of constitutional monarchy).

So: one red stripe (double-width), two yellow stripes—not two red stripes.