According to Associate Professor at Aalborg University's Institute for Politics and Society Torben Kjersgaard Nielsen, the Danish flag Dannebrog was prior to the 18th century a symbol associated with royalty and the military. It has since become an integral part of Danes' birthday celebrations and public holidays also bring a wide use of Dannebrog. "We are not thinking especially nationalistically when we put the birthday flag in a home-made cake or when young people come back from a backpacking holiday," Mr Kjersgaard explains, adding, however, that some political parties' usage of the flag is looked at critically. (Summary provided by Infomedia) Sources: Public News Time, 05-05-2023