Pronunciation: [sˈɛnɪəɹə] (IPA) 
The word "senyera" is a Catalan word that refers to the flag of Catalonia. It is pronounced /səˈɲeɾə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word is unique, with the use of the letters "ny" representing the sound /ɲ/. The letter "e" is pronounced as a schwa, or /ə/, and the letter "a" is pronounced as /a/. This particular spelling of the word reflects the unique phonetics of the Catalan language and its specific sounds.
Senyera is a noun that refers to the independent flag or banner of Catalonia, a historically and culturally significant region in northeastern Spain. It is also known as the "flag of the four bars" due to its design, which consists of four equally spaced horizontal stripes of red and yellow. The Senyera has been a symbol of Catalan identity and national pride for many centuries.
With a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, the Senyera is deeply intertwined with the Catalan people's struggle for self-determination and recognition. It represents their distinct culture, language, and political aspirations. The flag has become a potent emblem of Catalan nationalism, often displayed during public demonstrations, sporting events, and civic ceremonies.
The Senyera's colors hold symbolic significance, with the yellow stripes symbolizing the Catalan territories, while the red stripes represent the Crown of Aragon. This association with historical Catalan independence movements strengthens the flag's significance as a rallying symbol for those advocating for greater autonomy or even independence from Spain.
Despite occasional controversy and political debates surrounding its use, the Senyera remains a powerful and enduring symbol of the Catalan identity. It represents the heritage, history, and aspirations of the Catalan people, connecting them to their past and uniting them in the pursuit of their collective future.
The word "senyera" originates from the Catalan language. It ultimately traces its roots back to the Latin word "signum", which means "sign" or "symbol".
The term "senyera" specifically refers to the flag of Catalonia, which features four red bars on a yellow background. The word itself evolved from the Catalan phrase "senyal era", meaning "signal flag". Over time, it gradually transformed into "senyera", the current name for the Catalan flag.
