All About Flags

Flags are much more than simple pieces of fabric; they are potent symbols of identity, history, and shared values for nations and communities worldwide. The study of flags, known as vexillology, explores how these designs, often featuring specific colors and emblems, serve as visual representations of a group's aspirations, struggles, and character. From ancient Egypt, where standards were carried into battle to please gods and direct troops, to the national flags of nearly 200 independent countries today, flags have always provided a unifying visual identity, fostering a sense of belonging among those who fly them.

Each national flag is a unique tapestry woven with meaning, where colors and symbols tell a story specific to that nation's past. For instance, the colors of the American flag—red, white, and blue—are interpreted to represent valor, purity, and justice, while its fifty stars and thirteen stripes symbolize the union of states and the original colonies. Similarly, the Mexican flag's central emblem depicts an eagle on a cactus with a serpent, rooted in an ancient Aztec myth. The South African flag's vibrant colors represent the diversity of its people and their complex history. These designs are not static; they evolve with history, with a star being added to the U.S. flag whenever a new state joins the union, the most recent in 1960 for Hawaii.

Beyond their symbolic design, flags are governed by strict codes of etiquette and used in various practical and ceremonial ways. The U.S. Federal Flag Code outlines specific rules for their display and handling, such as never letting the flag touch the ground or never using it as apparel. The military uses different flag sizes for different occasions, such as the large Garrison Flag for special events and the Storm Flag during severe weather. Furthermore, flags serve as powerful communication tools, signaling distress when flown upside down or marking periods of mourning when flown at half-staff. This blend of deep symbolism and regulated use demonstrates the profound reverence people hold for their national banners.