Politics

---

Many nations have a special day where they have honorary celebrations of their country’s flag. In the United States that day is June 14th. Irregardless of the country represented, national flags should be treated with respect. Many countries, like the USA, have very strict rules for the care and treatment of the flag. The guidelines on how to care for a flag is just one of the many traditions regarding flags. Traditions about flags go back many centuries.

It is not known when flags were first used. However, the Bible talks about standards or banners used by the 12 tribes of Israel for identification purposes in the book of Numbers. It is believed that China was the first country to use cloth hanging from a pole to mark its armies. Egyptians, Assyrians and Romans have also been known to use symbols on the tops of poles.

During the Middle Ages when knights wore armor, flags were very practical to distinguish between friend and foe. Colorful displays and designs were used to represent knights, kings and families. As exploration of new worlds grew, flags of the countries were carried across the seas. Later these new countries fought for their freedom and developed their own national flags.

The rectangle is the most widely used shape for a national flag. Switzerland and Vatican City boast the only two square flags. The most unusual shaped flag goes to Nepal with its two triangular pennants sewn together. The field of the flag is referring to the background. The side nearest the pole is called the hoist, and the part that waves in the wind is referred to as the fly.

Flags come in all sorts of different colors, patterns, and styles. Stripes are the most common pattern used. Often there is meaning attached to the type of pattern chosen. In addition to the pattern, symbols are often used on flags. Stars, swords, tree branches, and heavenly bodies all tell something about the country. The Star of David on Israel’s flag and the maple leaf on Canada’s flag are two well known symbols.

Colors are also used to tell about a nation. Typically, red honors those who have died for their country. White has several meanings like purity, peace, honesty or clouds. Nations blessed with minerals or having deserts might use yellow. Orange has been known to represent courage or grasslands. Colors can be used in combination to tell an important story about a nation.

Flags not only tell about a nation, but they give a sense of community to the people they represent. They are a way to remember the national identity and draw its members together in unity. When you see the flag waving in the breeze, take a moment to think about what it represents.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE