Country Flags: A Guide to Their History, Design, and Meaning
Flags are more than just pieces of cloth with colors and patterns. They are symbols of nations, cultures, identities, and values. They have the power to inspire patriotism, unity, and pride, as well as to provoke controversy, conflict, and hatred. But how much do we really know about the history, design, and meaning of these ubiquitous emblems?
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In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of flags, from their ancient origins to their modern variations. We will learn about the principles and exceptions of flag design, the symbolism and history of some iconic flags, and the etiquette and protocol of displaying flags. We will also debunk some common myths and misconceptions about flags along the way.
Introduction: What are flags and why are they important?
A flag is a distinctive piece of fabric used as a symbol, a signaling device, or for decoration. It usually consists of a rectangular or square shape with a device or pattern on it. It is attached by one edge to a staff or a halyard.
Flags have been used for various purposes throughout history. They were originally used mainly in warfare, to identify friend or foe and to serve as rallying points. They were also used for signaling, communication, navigation, and ceremonial purposes. Later on, they became symbols of sovereignty, authority, identity, and ideology. They represented countries, states, regions, cities, organizations, movements, groups, individuals, and even ideas.
Flags are important because they convey meaning and emotion. They express loyalty, allegiance, affiliation, belonging, pride, aspiration, recognition, respect, honor, dignity, defiance, protest, challenge, or any other sentiment that the flag-bearer or the flag-viewer may have. They can also evoke memories, associations, stories, myths, legends, or histories that are related to the flag or its elements.
The origin and evolution of flags
The ancient flags from China, Egypt, and Rome
The origin of flags is unknown. Some of the earliest known banners come from ancient China to identify different parts of the army.[^1] For example, it is recorded that the armies of the Zhou dynasty in the 11th century BC carried a white banner before them, although no extant depictions exist of these banners.[^2] An early representation of such Chinese flags is a low-relief sculpture on the tomb of Emperor Wu of Han that shows two horsemen bearing banners attached to poles and staffs.[^3 Another ancient civilization that used flags was Egypt. The Egyptians used standard-bearers to carry emblems of their gods, pharaohs, and military units. These emblems were usually made of wood, metal, or cloth, and were shaped like animals, birds, or human figures. Some of the most famous Egyptian standards were the falcon of Horus, the bull of Apis, and the cobra of Wadjet. A well-known example of an Egyptian flag is the one that depicts the goddess Isis holding a papyrus scepter and an ankh symbol.
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The Romans also adopted the use of flags in their military and civil affairs. They called their flags vexilla, from the Latin word for sail, because they were originally made of cloth attached to a horizontal crossbar on a pole. The Romans used different types of vexilla for different purposes. For instance, they had signa for infantry units, aquila for legions, draco for cavalry units, and labarum for imperial standards. The most famous Roman flag is the SPQR banner, which stands for Senatus Populusque Romanus (The Senate and the People of Rome), and symbolizes the authority and power of the Roman Republic and Empire.
The medieval flags and heraldry
In the Middle Ages, flags became more elaborate and diverse. They were used not only for military and political purposes, but also for religious, cultural, and personal reasons. They were also influenced by the art and science of heraldry, which is the study and design of coats of arms and other symbols of identity and rank.
Heraldry developed in Europe in the 12th century as a way of identifying knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. It involved the use of colors, shapes, patterns, and figures on shields, helmets, banners, and other devices. These elements were called charges, and they had specific rules and meanings. For example, colors were called tinctures, and they represented different qualities or virtues. Gold (or yellow) signified generosity, silver (or white) signified peace, red signified courage, blue signified loyalty, green signified hope, purple signified sovereignty, black signified wisdom, and so on.
Some of the most common charges on medieval flags were crosses, chevrons, stripes, stars, lions, eagles, fleurs-de-lis, roses, and crowns. These charges often had historical or symbolic significance. For example, the cross was a symbol of Christianity, the chevron was a symbol of military service or pilgrimage, the stripe was a symbol of rank or dignity, the star was a symbol of honor or nobility, the lion was a symbol of strength or courage, the eagle was a symbol of power or authority, the fleur-de-lis was a symbol of France or royalty, the rose was a symbol of England or love, and the crown was a symbol of sovereignty or glory.
Some examples of medieval flags that used heraldic charges are: - The flag of England: a red cross on a white field. This flag is derived from the coat of arms of St. George, the patron saint of England. - The flag of Scotland: a white saltire (diagonal cross) on a blue field. This flag is derived from the coat of arms of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. - The flag of France: three gold fleurs-de-lis on a blue field. This flag is derived from the coat of arms of the French kings, who claimed to be descendants of Clovis I, the first Christian king of France. - The flag of Spain: three horizontal stripes of red-yellow-red with a coat of arms in the center. This flag is derived from the coat of arms of various kingdoms that united to form Spain, such as Castile (a castle), Leon (a lion), Aragon (four red bars), Navarre (a chain), Granada (a pomegranate), and others.
The modern flags and nationalism
In the modern era, flags became more standardized and widespread. They were used not only by states and rulers, but also by nations and peoples. They reflected the rise of nationalism, which is the idea that people who share a common culture, language, history, or identity should form a sovereign political entity.
Nationalism emerged in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries as a result of the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. These events challenged the traditional order based on the feudal system, the divine right of kings, and the religious authority. They promoted the idea of popular sovereignty, democracy, and human rights. They also fostered a sense of national identity, culture, and pride among the people who lived in a certain territory or had a common ancestry.
Nationalism influenced the creation and design of many modern flags. Some of the factors that shaped the choice of colors, shapes, and symbols on these flags were: - The historical or cultural heritage of the nation. For example, many flags in Europe and the Americas used the colors and patterns of their former colonial powers or their regional allies. Some examples are: - The flag of the United States: thirteen red and white stripes and fifty white stars on a blue field. This flag is derived from the flag of the British East India Company, which was used by the American colonists during the American Revolution. - The flag of Brazil: a green field with a yellow rhombus and a blue circle with stars and a motto. This flag is derived from the flag of the Portuguese Empire, which was used by Brazil when it was a colony and later an independent kingdom. - The flag of Germany: three horizontal stripes of black-red-gold. This flag is derived from the flag of the Holy Roman Empire, which was used by Germany when it was a confederation of states. - The political or ideological orientation of the nation. For example, many flags in Africa and Asia used the colors and symbols of their liberation movements or their socialist allies. Some examples are: - The flag of South Africa: a horizontal Y-shaped band of green with black, gold, red, white, and blue stripes. This flag is derived from the flag of the African National Congress, which was the main anti-apartheid organization in South Africa. - The flag of Vietnam: a red field with a yellow star. This flag is derived from the flag of the Viet Minh, which was the communist-led resistance movement against French colonialism in Vietnam. - The flag of India: three horizontal stripes of saffron-white-green with a blue wheel in the center. This flag is derived from the flag of the Indian National Congress, which was the main independence movement against British colonialism in India. - The geographical or environmental features of the nation. For example, many flags in Oceania and Antarctica used the colors and symbols of their natural landscapes or their location on the globe. Some examples are: - The flag of Australia: a blue field with a Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter, a large white seven-pointed star below it, and five smaller white stars forming the Southern Cross constellation on the fly half. This flag is derived from the flag of Great Britain, which was used by Australia when it was a dominion of the British Empire. It also reflects Australia's position in the Southern Hemisphere and its astronomical heritage. - The flag of New Zealand: a blue field with a Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter and four red stars with white borders forming the Southern Cross constellation on the fly half. This flag is derived from the flag of Great Britain, which was used by New Zealand when it was a colony and later a dominion of the British Empire. It also reflects New Zealand's position in the Southern Hemisphere and its astronomical heritage. - The flag of Antarctica: a white field with a blue map of Antarctica and two yellow lines forming a letter A. This flag is derived from the flag of the Antarctic Treaty, which is an international agreement that regulates the activities and cooperation in Antarctica. It also reflects Antarctica's location on the South Pole and its icy landscape. The design principles of flags
The five basic rules of flag design
Flag design is not a random or arbitrary process. It follows certain principles and guidelines that aim to make flags effective, attractive, and memorable. According to the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), which is an organization that studies and promotes flags, there are five basic rules of flag design:
Keep it simple. A flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory. A simple flag is easy to recognize, reproduce, and remember. It also avoids unnecessary details, clutter, and confusion.
Use meaningful symbolism. A flag should have symbols that relate to what it represents. A meaningful flag conveys a message, a story, or a value. It also creates a connection, an emotion, or an identity.
Use two to three basic colors. A flag should limit its colors to two or three from the standard color set. A basic flag is pleasing to the eye, harmonious, and contrastive. It also reduces the cost and complexity of production and reproduction.
No lettering or seals. A flag should never use writing or complex emblems on it. A lettered or sealed flag is hard to read, write, or print. It also defeats the purpose of a flag, which is to be a graphic symbol.
Be distinctive or be related. A flag should avoid duplicating other flags, but it can use similarities to show connections or relationships. A distinctive or related flag is unique, original, and respectful. It also avoids confusion, misunderstanding, or offense.
These rules are not absolute or universal, but they are based on the best practices and examples of flag design. They can help anyone who wants to create or evaluate a flag.
The exceptions and variations of flag design
While most flags follow the five basic rules of flag design, there are some exceptions and variations that deviate from them. These flags may have historical, cultural, or political reasons for their design choices, or they may simply be unconventional or creative. Some of these exceptions and variations are:
Square-shaped flags
Most flags have a rectangular shape with a length-to-width ratio of 2:1 or 3:2. However, some flags have a square shape with a ratio of 1:1. These flags are usually used by naval or military forces, such as Switzerland, Vatican City, and Nepal. Square-shaped flags are also used by some international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization. Square-shaped flags are more visible and recognizable when flying on ships or vehicles, or when displayed on buildings or poles.
Purple-colored flags
Most flags use colors from the standard color set, which consists of red, blue, green, yellow, black, and white. However, some flags use purple, which is a rare and expensive color in flag-making. Purple is usually associated with royalty, nobility, or spirituality. Some examples of purple-colored flags are: - The flag of Dominica: a green field with a purple sisserou parrot in the center and a yellow, black, and white cross. - The flag of Nicaragua: a horizontal bicolor of blue and white with a purple triangle in the center containing the national coat of arms. - The flag of Qatar: a maroon field with a white serrated border on the hoist side.
Flags with firearms
Most flags avoid using complex or controversial symbols on them, such as lettering, seals, or firearms. However, some flags use guns, rifles, or cannons as part of their design. These flags usually represent historical or political events, such as wars, revolutions, or rebellions. Some examples of flags with firearms are: - The flag of Mozambique: a horizontal tricolor of green, black, and yellow with a red triangle on the hoist side containing a yellow star, a book, a hoe, and an AK-47 rifle with a bayonet. - The flag of Guatemala: a vertical tricolor of blue and white with the national coat of arms in the center containing a quetzal bird, a scroll, two crossed rifles, and two crossed swords. - The flag of Bermuda: a red field with the Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter and the coat of arms of Bermuda in the fly half containing a red lion holding a shield with a shipwreck and three cannon.
The symbolism and history of flags
The meaning of colors, shapes, and symbols on flags
Flags use colors, shapes, and symbols to convey meaning and emotion. These elements can have different interpretations depending on the context and culture of the flag. However, some general meanings can be derived from common usage and association. Here are some examples:
Red, white, and blue
Red, white, and blue are the most popular colors on flags. They are used by more than 40 countries in the world. They can have different meanings depending on the flag, but some common meanings are: - Red: blood, sacrifice, courage, valor, revolution, or communism. - White: peace, purity, innocence, neutrality, or surrender. - Blue: sky, sea, water, freedom, democracy, or liberalism. Some examples of flags that use red, white, and blue are: - The flag of France: a vertical tricolor of blue, white, and red. This flag is derived from the cockade of France, which was a circular badge worn by the revolutionaries during the French Revolution. - The flag of the United Kingdom: a blue field with a red cross of St. George (England), a white saltire of St. Andrew (Scotland), and a red saltire of St. Patrick (Ireland). This flag is also known as the Union Jack or the Union Flag, and it represents the union of the three countries under one monarchy. - The flag of Russia: a horizontal tricolor of white, blue, and red. This flag is derived from the flag of the Dutch Republic, which was one of the first modern republics and a trading partner of Russia. Stars, stripes, and crosses
Stars, stripes, and crosses are some of the most common shapes and symbols on flags. They can have different meanings depending on the number, position, and orientation of them. However, some general meanings can be derived from common usage and association. Here are some examples:
- Stars: stars are usually symbols of light, guidance, aspiration, or excellence. They can also represent states, provinces, regions, or islands within a country or an organization. Some examples of flags that use stars are: - The flag of China: a red field with five yellow stars in the upper hoist corner. The large star represents the Communist Party of China, and the four smaller stars represent the four social classes in China: workers, peasants, soldiers, and intellectuals. - The flag of Brazil: a green field with a yellow rhombus and a blue circle with 27 white stars. The green represents the forests, the yellow represents the gold, and the blue represents the sky. The stars represent the 26 states and one federal district of Brazil, and they are arranged according to the constellations as they appeared on November 15th, 1889, when Brazil became a republic. - The flag of Australia: a blue field with a Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter, a large white seven-pointed star below it, and five smaller white stars forming the Southern Cross constellation on the fly half. The Union Jack represents Australia's historical ties to Great Britain, the large star represents Australia's federal system, and the Southern Cross represents Australia's geographical position in the Southern Hemisphere. - Stripes: stripes are usually symbols of diversity, unity, or equality. They can also represent historical or cultural events, such as wars, revolutions, or migrations. Some examples of flags that use stripes are: - The flag of the United States: thirteen red and white stripes and fifty white stars on a blue field. The stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain, and the stars represent the current fifty states that make up the union. - The flag of Germany: three horizontal stripes of black-red-gold. The stripes represent the colors of the German coat of arms, which were also used by various German states and movements throughout history. They symbolize Germany's struggle for democracy and unity. - The flag of Ghana: three horizontal stripes of red-yellow-green with a black star in the center. The red represents the blood shed for independence, the yellow represents the mineral wealth, the green represents the forests and natural resources, and the black star represents the African emancipation and unity. - Crosses: crosses are usually symbols of Christianity, faith, or martyrdom. They can also represent geographical or historical features, such as rivers, mountains, or axes. Some examples of flags that use crosses are: - The flag of Switzerland: a red field with a white Greek cross in the center. The cross represents the Christian faith of the Swiss people, as well as their neutrality and independence. - The flag of Norway: a red field with a blue cross outlined in white. The cross represents Norway's historical and cultural ties to Sweden and Denmark, which also use crosses on their flags. The colors are derived from the coat of arms of Norway, which features a lion holding an axe. - The flag of Jamaica: a yellow saltire on a black and green field. The saltire represents the sun shining over the land and sea, as well as the diversity and harmony of the Jamaican people. The black represents the hardships and resilience, the green represents the agriculture and natural beauty, and the yellow represents the wealth and optimism. The stories behind some iconic flags
Some flags have interesting or unique stories behind their creation or adoption. These stories can reveal the history, culture, or values of the people or entities that use them. Here are some examples:
The American flag
The American flag is one of the most recognizable and influential flags in the world. It has undergone several changes since its first appearance in 1777, when it was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official flag of the United States of America. The original design consisted of thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field, representing the thirteen colonies that rebelled against Great Britain. Since then, the flag has added more stars to reflect the admission of new states into the union, reaching its current number of fifty in 1960.
One of the most famous versions of the American flag is the one that was raised by six U.S. Marines on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. This flag became a symbol of victory, courage, and patriotism, and was immortalized in a photograph by Joe Rosenthal and a sculpture by Felix de Weldon. Another famous version of the American flag is the one that was planted by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. This flag became a symbol of exploration, achievement, and innovation, and was witnessed by millions of people around the world.
The Canadian flag
The Canadian flag is one of the most distinctive and recognizable flags in the world. It features a red maple leaf on a white field, flanked by two red bars. The maple leaf is a symbol of Canada's natural beauty, diversity, and heritage, while the red and white are the official colors of Canada, as well as the colors of the Cross of St. George and the Cross of St. Patrick, which represent Canada's English and Irish ancestry.
The current design of the Canadian flag was adopted in 1965, after a long and controversial process of choosing a new flag to replace the previous one, which was a red ensign with the Union Jack and the Canadian coat of arms. The new flag was proposed by George Stanley, a historian and heraldist, who was inspired by the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada, which also had a red maple leaf on a white field. The new flag was approved by Parliament and proclaimed by Queen Elizabeth II as the official flag of Canada.
The British flag
The British flag is also known as the Union Jack or the Union Flag. It is a combination of three different flags: the Cross of St. George (England), the Cross of St. Andrew (Scotland), and the Cross of St. Patrick (Ireland). The flag represents the union of these three countries under one monarchy and one parliament.
The origin of the British flag dates back to 1606, when King James I (who was also King James VI of Scotland) ordered that a new flag be created to signify his joint rule over England and Scotland. The new flag was a superimposition of the Cross of St. George and the Cross of St. Andrew, forming a white saltire on a blue field with a red cross on top. In 1801, after the Act of Union that united Great Britain and Ireland, the Cross of St. Patrick was added to the flag, forming a red saltire on a white field with a blue field behind it. The current design of the British flag was finalized in 1801.
The etiquette and protocol of flags
The rules and guidelines for displaying flags
Flags are not only symbols, but also objects that require proper care and respect. There are various rules and guidelines for displaying flags, depending on the context and culture of the flag. However, some general rules and guidelines can be derived from common practice and courtesy. Here are some examples:
Position of honor
When displaying flags in a group or in relation to other objects, there is usually a position of honor that should be given to the most important or relevant flag. The position of honor is usually on the viewer's left or on the highest point or the center of the group or the object. The position of honor may vary depending on the situation and the protocol. For example: - When displaying flags of different countries, the position of honor is usually given to the host country's flag, followed by the other countries' flags in alphabetical order according to their names in the host country's language. - When displaying flags of different states, provinces, regions, or cities within a country, the position of honor is usually given to the national flag, followed by the subnational flags in the order of their admission or establishment. - When displaying flags of different organizations, groups, or individuals, the position of honor is usually given to the flag that represents the purpose or the occasion of the display, followed by the other flags in order of their importance or relevance. Hanging
When hanging flags on a wall, a window, a door, or a balcony, there are some rules and guidelines to follow. For example: - The flag should be hung flat and horizontally or vertically. It should not be draped or folded. - The flag should be hung with its obverse (front) side facing outwards. If the flag has a different design on its reverse (back) side, it should be hung with its obverse side facing left when hung horizontally or facing up when hung vertically. - The flag should be hung with its hoist (the edge attached to the staff or halyard) on the viewer's left when hung horizontally or on the top when hung vertically. - The flag should not touch anything below it, such as the floor, the ground, or any other object. Flying at half-staff
When flying flags at half-staff (or half-mast), there are some rules and guidelines to follow. For example: - The flag should be flown at half-staff as a sign of mourning, respect, or honor for a deceased person or a tragic event. The duration and the occasion of flying at half-staff may vary depending on the country, the state, or the organization. - The flag should be raised to the top of the staff or mast before being lowered to half-staff. It should also be raised to the top again before being lowered for the day. - The flag should be flown at half-staff only on its own staff or mast. It should not be flown below another flag on the same staff or mast. - The flag should not be flown at half-staff on certain days or occasions that are designated as days of celebration, commemoration, or recognition. For example, Independence Day, Flag Day, Veterans Day, etc.
The common misconceptions and myths about flags
Flags are often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that are either based on false information, inaccurate interpretation, or popular belief. Some of these myths and misconceptions are:
Betsy Ross and the first American flag
One of the most common myths about flags is that Betsy Ross, a seamstress from Philadelphia, made the first American flag in 1776, based on a sketch by George Washington and a committee of the Continental Congress. According to this myth, Betsy Ross suggested the use of a five-pointed star instead of a six-pointed one, because it was easier to cut and sew.
However, there is no historical evidence to support this myth. The only source for this story is a testimony by Betsy Ross's grandson, William Canby, who claimed that he heard it from his grandmother when he was a child. However, Canby did not present any documents, witnesses, or artifacts to corroborate his claim. Moreover, there are no records of Betsy Ross being commissioned by the Continental Congress or George Washington to make a flag. The first official American flag was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777, and it had thirteen stars arranged in a circle, not in rows as Betsy Ross allegedly made.
The moon landing flags
Another common myth about flags is that the flags that were planted by the Apollo astronauts on the moon are still standing and waving. According to this myth, the flags are preserved by the vacuum and the cold of the lunar environment, and they are moved by the solar wind or the rotation of the moon.
However, this myth is not true. The flags that were planted on the moon are most likely fallen, faded, or disintegrated by now. The flags were made of nylon, which is not resistant to the harsh conditions of the moon. The flags were exposed to extreme temperatures, radiation, micrometeorites, and static electricity, which could have damaged or destroyed them over time. Moreover, the flags were not designed to wave or flutter on the moon. They were attached to horizontal rods that gave them the appearance of waving. The only reason they moved when they were planted was because of the motion of the astronauts or the lunar module.
The Confederate flag
A third common myth about flags is that the flag that is commonly associated with the Confederate States of America (CSA) during the American Civil War was their official national flag. According to this myth, this flag represents the heritage, culture, and values of the Southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861.
However, this myth is also false. The flag that is commonly called the Confederate flag was actually the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia, which was one of the main military forces of the CSA. It was never adopted as the national flag of the CSA, which had three different designs during its existence. The first one was called the Stars and Bars, which had three horizontal stripes of red-white-red and a blue canton with seven white stars. The second one was called the Stainless Banner, which had a white field with the battle flag in the upper hoist corner. The third one was called the Blood-Stained Banner, which had a red vertical stripe on the fly end of the Stainless Banner. The flag that is commonly called the Confederate flag was not widely used or recognized during the Civil War. It became popular and controversial in the 20th century, when it was adopted by various groups and individuals who supported segregation, racism, or white supremacy. It was also used as a symbol of Southern pride, heritage, or culture by some people who did not endorse those views. The flag is still a source of debate and controversy today, as some people see it as a sign of hate, oppression, or treason, while others see it as a sign of honor, freedom, or heritage. Conclusion: Flags as symbols of identity and pride
Flags are more than just pieces of cloth with colors and patterns. They are symbols of identity and pride. They reflect the history, culture, and values of the people or entities that use them. They also communicate meaning and emotion to the people who see them.
Flags can inspire admiration, respect, loyalty, or solidarity. They can also provoke anger, resentment, hatred, or violence. They can unite or divide people, depending on how they are used or interpreted.
Flags are not static or fixed. They can change over time, depending on the circumstances and the needs of the people or entities that use them. They can also have different meanings for different people, depending on their context and culture.
Flags are not only symbols, but also stories. They tell us something about the past, the present, and the future of the people or entities that use them. They also invite us to learn more about them and to understand them better.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about flags:
What is the difference between a flag and a banner?
A flag is a piece of fabric that is attached by one edge to a staff or a halyard. A banner is a piece of fabric that is attached by two or more edges to a staff, a pole, a rope, or a wall.
What is the difference between a national flag and a civil flag?
A national flag is a flag that represents a sovereign state or a nation. A civil flag is a flag that represents a non-military or non-governmental entity, such as a city, an organization, or an individual.
What is the difference between a hoist and a fly?
A hoist is the edge of a flag that is attached to the staff or the halyard. A fly is the opposite edge of a flag that is free to move with the wind.
What is the difference between an obverse and a reverse?
An obverse is the front side of a flag that faces outwards when displayed. A reverse is the back side of a flag that faces inwards when displayed.
What is vexillology?
Vexillology is the study and design of flags. The word comes from the Latin word vexillum, which means flag.
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