The first mention of the national symbol of Madrid was back in 1212, at the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, between Alfonso VIII of Castile and the Almohads. Hence the Council of Madrid sent a detachment in support of the Christian King. Back then, these troops carried a flag that shows a statant bear on a silver field with seven stars of the Ursa Mayor or Usra Menor on the body of the bear. It actually bears the meaning of direction, just like the stars that are celestial reference for navigation (This was the first symbol of Madrid from 1212 – 1222).
Later in 1222, the clergymen of Madrilenian parishes confronted the Council to have animal feeds in the fields and forest in the municipal jurisdiction. Both the council and the clergymen saw those as important resources. Then to resolve the conflict, Kind Alfonso VIII decided that the animal feed would belong to the clergymen while the forests are bestowed to the municipality. As a proof of the municipality’s possessions, trees bearing delicious strawberry like red fruits were added to the flag as a national symbol.
You can now find the national symbol of Madrid in the Center of Madrid at “SOL”, pavements, recycling bins, poster advertisements on the streets and also on the ceilings of Plaza de España (literally known as Spain Square) underground train station.