Flags are flown at half mast by presidential decree upon the death of a high ranking public figure.
Other legions copied this, and eventually all the legions had flexible standards; thus, our modern-day flag.
Flags are particularly important at sea, where they can mean the difference between life and death, and consequently the rules and regulations for the flying of flags are strictly enforced.
Flags then held important strategic value and became objects to be captured or defended.
The locations of where the flags are flown (and how are they flown) can be also dictated by national law or decree.
In Buddhism, prayer flags are used, usually in sets of five different colored flags.
A flagpole or flagstaff can be a simple support made of wood or metal on which the flag is held in place by either a cord or a pulley.
Several countries (including the United Kingdom and the former Nazi Germany) have their armed forces fly specially designed flags rather than the national flag.
The flags are colored with a red triangle and a yellow triangle making a rectangular flag, or a red rectangle over a yellow rectangle.
Over the years Jones and Festival Flags produced thousands of flags and other related products.
The world's biggest regularly hoisted flag, however, is the Brazilian national flag flown in the Square of the Three Powers in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil.
A heraldic coat of arms may also be flown as a banner of arms, as is done on both the state flag of Maryland and the flag of Kiribati.
The flag of Libya, which consists of a rectangular field of green, is the only national flag using a single color and no design or insignia.
On this day the flag is displayed either at full or half mast.
A more unusual flag shape is that of the flag of Nepal, which is in the shape of two stacked triangles.
Reporters from around the country, soon began arriving at her Richmond home in order to file stories on the "flag lady," as Jones became known.
Very high flagpoles may require more complex support structures than a simple pole and may be built like a mast.
A courteous, peaceable merchant ship or yacht customarily flies its ensign (in the usual ensign position), together with the flag of whatever nation it is currently visiting at the mast (known as a courtesy flag).
Her interest in flag making turned into a small business after she hung a giant flag outside her home with the words, It's a Boy, announcing the birth of her son in 1975.
The first flags were used to assist military coordination on battlefields.
One of the most popular uses of a flag is to symbolize a nation or country.
The Philippines' armed forces may use their standard national flag, but during times of war the flag is turned upside down.
The study of flags is known as vexillology, from the Latin vexillum meaning flag or banner.
Many national flags include religious symbols such as the cross, the crescent, or reference to a patron saint.
Flags became the preferred means of communications at sea, resulting in various systems of flag signals.
Large versions of the war flag flown on the warships of countries' navies are known as battle ensigns.
Military, political and religious flags throughout history have been the inspiration for both positive and negative emotions and the desecration of such flags is usually looked upon as an act worthy of punishment.
Some political flags have become national flags as was the case with the red flag of the Soviet Union.
Mildred Callahan Jones is credited with pioneering the decorative flag industry.
Woodblocks are used to decorate the prayer flags with images, mantras, and prayers.
Flag days are usually codified in national statutes, however, a decree by a head of state of the specific country can also consecrate a flag day.
The Raghadan Flagpole, also in Jordan, is the second tallest free-standing flagpole in the world.
Usually at the center of a prayer flag, there is an image of the Wind Horse which bears the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
Other countries' armed forces (such as those of the United States or Switzerland) use their standard national flag.
The tallest free-standing flagpole in the world is the Aqaba Flagpole in Aqaba, Jordan, with a total height of 132 meters (430 feet).
The highest flagpole in the world, at 160 metres (525 feet), is found at Gijeong-dong in North Korea.
Blue flags may also be used away from the yellow-red lifesaver area to designate a zone for surfboarding and other small, non-motorized watercraft.
National flags can be important patriotic symbols with varying interpretations from country to country, that resonate with feelings of identification from its citizens.
Originally, the 'standards' of the Roman legions were not flags, but were symbols such as the eagle of Augustus Caesar's Xth legion.
From the time of Christopher Columbus, it has been customary (and later a legal requirement) for ships to carry flags designating their nationality.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States' Flag is an oath of loyalty to the country.
Jones' flags were even carried into space onboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985.
During the Middle Ages, flags were used mainly during battles to identify individual leaders: in Europe these were the knights, in Japan the samurai, and in China the generals under the imperial army.
A new wave of Vikings appeared in England in 947 when Erik Bloodaxe captured York.
Tibetan Prayer Flags are traditionally found on rooftops, mountain passes, river crossings, gardens and other sacred places in the Himalayas.
Some national flags have been particularly inspirational to other nations, or countries, in the design of their own flags.
Some believe flags originated in China, while others hold that the Roman Empire's vexillum or the Cyrus the Great's standard (a hawk) were the first true flags.
Flags are also adopted by religious groups such as the Jain flag and the Christian flag, representing Jainism and Christianity, respectively.
In Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom a pair of red/yellow flags is used to mark the limits of the bathing area on a beach, usually guarded by surf lifesavers.
Jones, and her idea for decorative flags, soon propelled her into the national limelight.
Flags are usually rectangular in shape (often in the ratio 2:3 or 3:5), but may be of any shape or size that is practical for flying, including square, triangular, or swallow tailed.
Social and political movements have adopted flags, not only to increase their visibility but to promote unity within their ranks.
Common designs on flags include crosses, stripes, and divisions of the surface, or field, into bands or quarters.
Some national flags have strong military associations due to their military uses.
Bisexual and transgender pride flags were later designed, in an attempt to emulate the rainbow flag's success.
Tibetan Prayer Flags, made in the Himalayas, promote peace, compassion and wisdom.
A red flag signifies a closed beach (or, in the UK, some other danger), yellow signifies strong current or difficult swimming conditions, and green represents a beach safe for general swimming.
The flag of England is derived from St George's Cross (heraldic blazon: Argent, a cross gules). The association of the red cross as an emblem of England can be traced back to the Middle Ages, and it was used as a component in the design of the Union Flag in 1606.
A bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, symbolizes protection in peace and war. The sego lily, the state flower of Utah, represents peace. The state motto "Industry" and the beehive represent progress and hard work. The U.S. flags show Utah's support and commitment to the United States.
The flag of the state of Iowa is a vertical tricolor of blue, white, and red, reflecting the U.S. state of Iowa's history as part of the French Louisiana Territory. (Because of the wider middle stripe and symmetric design, the design is sometimes classified as a "Canadian pale".)
The white equilateral triangle stands for equality and fraternity. The blue stripe means peace, truth and justice while the red stripe represents the Filipino's patriotism and valor. The Philippine flag has changed its meaning through the years.Jun 11, 2010
Colombia Flag: ... Colors of the flag are commonly interpreted in two ways: One version indicates that the yellow symbolizes sovereignty and justice, blue as loyalty and vigilance, and red represents the valor shown and the victory achieved during the battles for independence from Spain.
Colors of the flag are commonly interpreted in two ways: One version indicates that the yellow symbolizes sovereignty and justice, blue as loyalty and vigilance, and red represents the valor shown and the victory achieved during the battles for independence from Spain.
Mohammad is the messenger of Allah.” This phrase is a declaration of faith used across Islam, and is known as the shahada. Underneath is a white circle emblazoned with black writing reading "Mohammed is the messenger of God", which is meant to resemble the Prophet's seal, similar to that used to close an envelope.Jul 6, 2015
The flag of the state of New Jersey includes the coat of arms of the state on a buff-colored background. In a 1965 law, the specific color shades of Jersey blue and buff were defined by the state.
Venezuela Flag: ... The flag is modeled after the one used by the liberation leader, Francisco de Maranda. Blue represents independence from Spain, red symbolizes courage and the centered stars are symbolic of the seven provinces that supported the revolution. The coat of arms is placed upper left.
The symbol has sacred meaning to the Zia. Four is a sacred number which symbolizes the Circle of Life: the four directions, the four times of day, the four stages of life, and the four seasons. The circle binds the four elements of four together. His winning design is the flag that the state uses today.
Flag of Indiana. A gold torch surrounded by an outer circle of thirteen stars, an inner semi circle of five stars, and a 19th, larger, star at the top of the torch, crowned by the word 'Indiana', representing Indiana's admission to the Union as the 19th state.
The flag of Arkansas, also known as the Arkansas flag, consists of a red field charged with a large blue-bordered white lozenge (or diamond). Twenty-nine five-pointed stars appear on the flag: twenty-five small white stars within the blue border, and four larger blue stars in the white diamond.
The flag of the state of Oregon is a two-sided flag in navy blue and gold with an optional gold fringe. On the front is the escutcheon from the state seal and on the reverse is a gold figure of a beaver, the state animal.
The Maryland flag contains the family crest of the Calvert and Crossland families. Maryland was founded as an English colony in 1634 by Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. The black and Gold designs belong to the Calvert family. The red and white design belongs to the Crossland family.
The current flag of Brazil was officially adopted on November 15, 1889. The flag is green, symbolic of Brazil's lush fields and forests. Its primary feature is a large yellow diamond, symbolic of Brazil's wealth in gold, and in its center floats a blue celestial globe.Nov 17, 2015
The Brazilian flag begins with a dark green background with a large yellow diamond in the middle. In the center of the diamond is a blue globe with 27 five-pointed white stars. Each star represents one of each of the states in the Federal District, which are arranged in the same pattern as the Brazil night sky.Apr 20, 2017
Also, red and white are the colors chosen by Jose de San Martin, The Liberator. The coat of arms (not shown on the national flag) features a llama and chichona tree, important symbols of Peru, and a centered cornucopia representing prosperity.
Also, red and white are the colors chosen by Jose de San Martin, The Liberator. The coat of arms (not shown on the national flag) features a llama and Cinchona tree, important symbols of Peru, and a centered cornucopia representing prosperity.
The green represents Islam and the majority Muslims in Pakistan and the white stripe represents religious minorities and minority religions. In the centre, the crescent and star symbolizes progress and light respectively. The flag symbolizes Pakistan's commitment to Islam and the rights of religious minorities.
The flag of the state of Delaware consists of a buff-colored diamond on a field of colonial blue, with the coat of arms of the state of Delaware inside the diamond. Below the diamond, the date December 7, 1787, declares the day on which Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America, and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and became the first states in the U.S. Nicknames for the flag include The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and The Star ...
Even colors have specific meanings. ... "The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice."
It is widely known that the 50 stars on the flag of the United States represent the states themselves. When the Stars and Stripes was adopted in 1777 there were 13 states (then colonies), thus a 13-star flag, and as each new state was admitted to the union a star was added to the flag.Jan 19, 2015
According to popular legend, the first American flag was made by Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress who was acquainted with George Washington, leader of the Continental Army and other influential Philadelphians.
Robert G. Heft, the “Betsy Ross” of America's 50-star flag, has died. In 1958, a history teacher assigned Heft and his classmates at Lancaster High School to each redesign the national banner to recognize Alaska and Hawaii, both nearing statehood.Dec 13, 2009
The stripes represent the original 13 Colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Very often, the colors used in a flag represent the values of that country (or other entity). Black often represents determination, ethnic heritage, and/or defeating one's enemies. Blue often represents freedom, vigilance, perseverance, justice, prosperity, peace, and/or patriotism.
Thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from England; fifty stars symbolize the current 50 United States. White signifies purity and innocence, red signifies valor and bravery; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
“The colors,” Thomson said at the time, “are those used in the flag of the United States of America. White signifies purity and innocence. Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue… signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.” ... The significance behind the flag's design is more commonly known than that of its colors.Jul 4, 2013
On a white field is a blue shield emblazoned with the image of a Native American, Massachuset. He holds a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. The arrow is pointing downward representing peace. The white star represents Massachusetts as one of the original thirteen states.
Adopted on April 27, 1994, the flag of South Africa was designed to symbolize unity. The red, white and blue colors were taken from the colors of the Boer Republics. The yellow, black and green are taken from the African National Congress (ANC) flag.Nov 17, 2015
Missouri State Flag. Centered on red, white and blue fields is the Missouri state seal. It is encircled by a blue band with twenty-four stars representing the number of states in 1821. The stars in the inner circle have the same meaning.
Official State Flag of Missouri. The two grizzly bears are symbols of courage and strength. They stand on a scroll bearing the state motto: Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto (Latin for "Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law").
Wyoming State Flag. A bison on a blue field bordered in white and red. The state seal branded on the bison. The woman represents the state motto "Equal Rights" and the two men represent cattle ranchers and miners.
The flag of the state of Wyoming consists of the silhouette of an American bison. The red symbolizes the Native Americans and the blood of pioneers who gave their lives. The white is a symbol of purity and uprightness.
The 35 Star Flag: This Flag became the Official United States Flag on July 4th, 1863. A star was added for the admission of West Virginia (June 20th, 1863) and was to last for 2 years. The two Presidents to serve under this flag were Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865) and Andrew Johnson (1865-1869).
The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America, and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and became the first states in the U.S. Nicknames for the flag include The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and The Star ...
Betsy Ross
The flag of Switzerland consists of a red flag with a white cross (a bold, equilateral cross) in the centre. It is one of only two square sovereign-state flags, the other being the flag of Vatican City. ... A ratio of 2:3 or 7:10 to the span of the flag is usual.
The blue colouring is said to represent the country's thousands of lakes and the sky, with white for the snow that covers the land in winter. This colour combination has also been used over the centuries in various Finnish provincial, military, and town flags.
The flag of Portugal is red and green; the Portuguese coat of arms is pictured where the two colors meet. The green symbolizes hope for the future; the red symbolizes the blood of the nation. ... The five blue small shields represent the five Moorish kings who were defeated by the first King of Portugal.
Portuguese Flag: The meanings. Meaning of the symbols and colors: The five blue shields represent the five Morisco kings Don Afonso Henriques (the father of the Portuguese kingdom) defeated in the Ourique battle. The white shield with the five small blue shields inside is the Armor of Don Afonso Henriques.Oct 10, 2005
The Betsy Ross flag is an early design of the flag of the United States, popularly – but very likely incorrectly – attributed to Betsy Ross, using the common motifs of alternating red-and-white striped field with five-pointed stars in a blue canton. The first documented usage of this flag was in 1792.
Betsy Ross
Robert G. Heft
The flag has a white field, with a red Latin cross inside a blue canton. The shade of red on the cross symbolizes the blood that Jesus shed on Calvary. The blue represents the waters of baptism as well as the faithfulness of Jesus. The white represents Jesus' purity.
The flag of China was officially adopted on October 1, 1949. The red of the Chinese flag symbolizes the communist revolution, and it's also the traditional color of the people. The large gold star represents communism, while the four smaller stars represent the social classes of the people.Nov 17, 2015
The French flag was officially adopted on February 15, 1794. ... Red, white and blue have come to represent liberty, equality and fraternity - the ideals of the French Revolution. Blue and red are also the time-honored colors of Paris, while white is the color of the Royal House of Bourbon.Nov 17, 2015
The Pan-African flag — also known as the UNIA flag, Afro-American flag and Black Liberation Flag — is a tri-color flag consisting of three equal horizontal bands of (from top down) red, black and green.
The blue field represents the sky, the sea, and mountain lakes, as well as Alaska's wildflowers. Emblazoned on the flag are eight gold stars: seven from the constellation Ursa Major, or the Big Dipper. The eighth being the North Star, representing the northern most state.
Below the Union Jack is a white Commonwealth, or Federation, star. It has seven points representing the unity of the six states and the territories of the Commonwealth of Australia. The star is also featured on the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. The Southern Cross is shown on the flag in white.
On a white field emblazoned with a red X and the state seal, Florida's flag represents the land of sunshine, flowers, palm trees, rivers and lakes. The seal features a brilliant sun, a cabbage palmetto tree, a steamboat sailing and a Native American Seminole woman scattering flowers.
Nevada State Flag. On a cobalt blue background in the upper left quarter is a five-pointed silver star between two sprays of sagebrush crossed to form a half wreath; across the top of the wreath is a golden scroll with the words, in black letters, "Battle Born."
The German flag consists of the colors of the coat-of-arms of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation (i.e. the First Reich) - a black eagle, with red beak and claws, on a gold field. The red, at least, does not mean anything; it is usual to paint the claws red, unless the beast itself is red or on a red field.Sep 13, 2014
Flag of Italy. ... Some have attributed particular values to the colours, and a common interpretation is that the green represents the country's plains and the hills; white, the snow-capped Alps; and red, blood spilt in the Wars of Italian Independence and Unification.
The flag of Haiti is a bicolour flag featuring two horizontal bands coloured blue and red, defaced by a white panel bearing the coat of arms. The coat of arms depicts a trophy of weapons atop a green hill, ready to defend freedom, and a royal palm symbolizing independence. The palm is topped by the Cap of Liberty.