Flag
Flag history & types of flags
Flags first appeared more than 2000 years ago in China, and in Europe under the Roman Empire. Flags also have meanings, the colors and the shapes they use. For example, the Japan flag has a white background and a red circle in the middle. The red circle is the red sun and the white background means honesty and purity. [1]
There are many types of flags: State
- A National Flag is the symbol of a country (nation). For example, the national flag of the United States is the Stars and Stripes; the flag of the United Kingdom is the Union Flag' or 'Union Jack; the national flag of France is the Tricolor and the national flag of Flag of Cyprus has an image of a map of its own country on its flag.
- An Ensign is a special type of national flag for use on ships. Different kinds of ships often use different kinds of ensigns. For example, warships use a naval ensign which is usually different from the ensigns used by other ships.
- A Rank Flag is used by the head of state, as well as by a senior officer of the navy, army or air force, to show where he or she is.
- In the past, soldiers carried beautiful flags to war. Today these ceremonial flags are used only at military parades.
- Some states, provinces, cities and towns have their own flags. For example, all 50 states within the United States have their own state flags.
- A Signal Flag is a flag used by ships to send messages to other ships or to people on land. Every ship keeps many different signal flags for use in different situations. Signal flags are also used for racing.
- Flags are sometimes also used to represent a business, a sports team, a school, a political party, or other organizations.
Good Flag, Bad Flag
The book "Good Flag, Bad Flag" is a book made by Ted Kaye. He has 5 rules:
"1. Keep It Simple. The flag should be so simple a child can draw it from memory."
"2. Use Meaningful Symbolism. The flag's images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes."
"3. Use 2 Or 3 Basic Colors. Limit the number of colors on the flag to three which contrast well and come from the standard color set."
"4. No Lettering Or Seals. Never use writing of any kind or an organization's seal."
"5. Be Distinctive Or Be Related. Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections."
These are the 5 rules in "Good Flag, Bad Flag." Here are 10 good and bad flag examples below.
Flags should be able to be recognized even when the wind stops.
Related pages
- Banner
- Ethnic flag
- Free Speech Flag
- Glossary of vexillology
- Pride flag
- Rainbow flag
- Rainbow flag (LGBT)
References
- ↑ "Japan aesthetic- - The meaning of Japanese flag | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-08-28.