Fabulous Flag Facts To Celebrate Flag Day
Flags have a long and rich history, and have been used in different countries to signify a nations values and beliefs. Flag Day is a time to celebrate the many flags around the world, and to honor the flags of nations, states, military and historic groups. Here are some amazing facts about flags that you can use for your own Flag Day festivities.
The History of Flags
The origins of flags dates back to around 5,000 years ago. The first flags were used as military signals in India, Persia, Greece and Assyria. They symbolized power, unity, and pride and were meant to be seen from great distances.
Since then, flags have been used to represent countries, states, cities, counties and other historical or political entities. Flag symbols have come to represent a spectrum of different causes, including liberty, peace, freedom, unity and solidarity. Many of the current flags in place today were inspired by flags of the past.
Flag Colors and Designs
Flags are designed with colors that are both aesthetically pleasing, and have a special significance. Colors are generally chosen to represent ideals that the country wishes to project.
The colors on an American flag, for example, symbolize strength and courage. Red for valor and hardiness; white for purity, innocence, and a sense of justice; and blue for perseverance, vigilance and justice. It also includes stars which depict the American unity.
In Austria, red and white are major colors of the flag, which represent its history as a Bavarian nation. The colors are said to symbolize its past experienced in overcoming adversity.
Countries of the world also add symbols to their flags to represent something distinctive or special. In Egypt, two green stars on the country’s flag represent the two major religions of Egypt, Islam and Christianity.
Flag Etiquette
When displaying any type of flag it’s important to follow proper flag etiquette to show respect for the nation or cause it represents. Respect for the flag includes saluting it when it passes by, and displaying it correctly.
For the American flag, when displayed from a staff, it should be displayed from sunrise to sunset, unless you have an appropriate light source. When the flag is flown at half-staff, the first and last sections of the flag should be raised to the top of the flagpole before it is lowered to its half-staff position.
Flags should never be used to cover a ceiling or floor. Additionally, the flag should never touch anything beneath or behind it, or under any other object. If the flag is to be used on a podium during a speech or ceremony it should be placed slightly behind and to the right of the speaker.
Flag Day Celebrations
Flag day is a great time to celebrate and honor flags and the nations they represent. Here are some ways to have some fun with Flag Day:
⁃ Create a flag-themed bingo game, where you replace the traditional number spots with images of flags from around the world.
⁃ Have a parade for the most popular flags in your town or neighborhood.
⁃ Decorate your home or office with flags from different countries, and hang up their flags from the windows and balcony.
⁃ Fly kites with different flag designs.
⁃ Visit a local historical society and learn about the history of flags.
⁃ Use the different flag colors to decorate the house or office with a festive vibe and symbols of patriotism.
⁃ Host a Flag Day brunch or dinner complete with an international buffet of food and drinks inspired by flags around the world.
⁃ Attend a local flag-raising ceremony and show your respects to the flag.
Flag Rights and Legislation
Flags are held in high regard and come with rights that are protected by law in many countries. In the United States, flags are owned and protected by the United States Flag Code, an unenforced body of law which outlines how the flag is to be treated.
The Flag Code states that the flag should never be dipped to any person, or any kind of ceremony, and must never touch the ground. Additionally, it states that the American flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
Flag Day is a great time to commemorate and celebrate the flags of our nations and remember the pride and meaning they bring. Take some time to learn more about the significance and tradition of flags and reflect on why they are so important to us all.
