The Austrian flag, originally adopted in 1918, was officially adopted (again) in 1945, after being banned during World War II.
Stripes of red and white have been a collective emblem of Austria for over 800 years, and their first usage on the flag occured in 1191. According to long established legend, the red and white flag (above) was designed to resemble the bloodstained white coat worn by the Duke of Austria during a fierce battle.