A Brief Note on Flags and Their Various Kinds - By: Jessica Thomson

Flags are used for signaling or for decoration. A flag is a piece of cloth that is usually rectangular and in most cases has a specific design. The term flag also refers to the graphic design, which is incorporated by a flag or to its representation in other media.

Flags have existed since time immemorial, and they were initially used to aid in military coordination on battlefields. Since then, they have become a device for elementary signaling and identification of places where communication is difficult and challenging. National flags represent the country and its principles and are emblems of patriotism, having a variety of interpretations.

Numerous organizations and associations also use a flag, which symbolize their nature and convey their agenda: for instance, the flag of Nazism or that of the Olympics. They are also utilized for other purposes such as advertising, messaging or simply for other decorative reasons. The study of flags is known as vexillology, derived from the Latin vexillum, which means flag or banner.

They are generally rectangular, but are also found in shapes and sizes that are suitable for flying. There are square, triangular and swallow tailed flags as well.

National flags can be of various types. Here are some of them:

War flags: Many countries like the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom have used separate flags flown by their armed forces instead of than the national flag.

Civil flags: This is a version of the national flag that is flown by civilians specifically on non-government crafts or installations. For example, when civilians use the Indian national flag, they do so without the blue wheel in the center. In some cases, they merely change the war flag. The Philippines’ armed forces use the standard national flag during normal times but turn it upside down during war. In battle, flying of a white flag signifies truce.

International flags: These are the flag of the UN, the EU Flag, the Olympic Flag, the Paralympic Flag and the World Flag.

The national flag of the United States of America comprises of 13 equal horizontal red stripes on the top and bottom, and it alternates with white. A blue rectangle is found in the canton, being referred to as the “union”, which bears 50 small, white, five-pointed stara arranged in nine horizontal rows of six stars alternating with rows of five stars.

The fifty stars represent the fifty states of the USA and the 13 stripes stand for the 13 colonies that hads rebelled against the British monarchy and were the first to become independent states in the Union.

About the Author

For more information on Flags, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the War flags!

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Jessica-Thomson/15140

Additional Articles From - Home | Reference & education | Architecture