 |
Flags are Effective Communication Tools
by Portante Della Bandierina
http://www.flags-index.com
Flags have distinctive designs on rectangular piece of
cloth. The primary purpose of flags has always been
military. Flags are used to coordinate the actions of
combatants during the confusion of battle. They were used to
tell soldiers where to march, where to rally, and where to
charge. The distinctiveness of flags made it easy to tell to
which side you belong. It also meant their bearers were
primary targets, and if they lost their flag they were
cowards. Therefore many men through out history have gladly
died defending their flag.
In medieval times there were numerous flags in use, such as
banners, banderoles, gonfalons, gonfanons, pennons,
pennoncells, standards, streamers, and guidons. The ancient
Egyptians, Assyrians and Jews used symbolical standards like
ensigns and banners. Early flags usually had a religious
significance. William the Conqueror received his banner from
the pope, and the crosses of national saints of England,
Scotland and Ireland form the ensign of Great Britain, the
Union Jack.
Flags were important on the high seas. A ship was
identifiable only by the flag it flew. Other non-national
flags also served as communication tools to warn of pirates,
distress and storms.
The study of the flags is called Vexillology and the person
who enjoys the study of flags is called a Vexillologist.
Flags are symbols of national or other allegiances. Flags
have been used for signaling people at a distance. The
Romans used flags as a form of communication extensively.
Flags were widely used in the Navy as symbol codes in
semaphore. A flag is often linked to the history of a Nation
The word 'flag' is derived from the old Saxon word "fflaken"
which means to fly or to float in the air. A ship carrying
the flag of an admiral is called a flagship. The strict
rules of Heraldry are still used when designing an emblem
and creating flags of today.
The colors of flags have special meanings. The dominant
colors convey the required attributes of the different flags
of the world. There much symbolism is associated with the
colors of flags following the customs of Ancient Heraldic
traditions. For instance, white is the symbol of peace and
honesty and yellow is a symbol of generosity. Red flags
represent hardiness, bravery, strength and valor. Blue color
symbolizes vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance and
justice. Green color stands for hope, joy and love and in
many cultures green has a sacred significance. And, black
signifies determination and often reflects the ethnic
heritage of the people
The Romans were the first to use a cloth flag. Flying flags
as a form of communication grew from the requirements of
ancient battlefields. Uniforms were not worn in bygone days
so shields were painted with emblems to identify friend or
foe. Warriors also needed to know where their leaders were
so the custom of carrying a pole was adopted and the idea of
flags was born. An emblem such as a shield or religious
device was attached to the pole for identification.
Submit An Article
|
|  |
