Do you remember that list I made, well I can successfully check of one of my items: the flags are completed and if I do say so myself they look marvelous. Thanks to two of my friends who have the sewing skills I lack... the process was a blast, and the product glorious. But all this time spent on flags got me wondering about the history of flags and their importance to different peoples of the world.
Welcome to the world of "vexillology" the scientific study of the symbolism and history of flags! I didn't even know that their was a word for studying flags.
Most of the sites I found were consistent in their knowledge, flags have been used for over 3000 years in various forms with even more varied functions. Historic flags were standards for conflicts as well as heralds announcing who was whom during a conflict. And whereas today flags are often associated with specific countries and states during the Roman Empire flags used with symbols of the head of state. Imagine if you will the current American flag with George Washington in the corner.
Even the Egyptians had their own version of flags, and creatively made them out of wood, and in some cases metal.
I don't often think about flags. yes I say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning with my students but do not ponder upon our national symbol and what those stars and stripes signify. Today the planet earth and it's varied cultures, and political regions have a wealth of flags to show national pride. Even the Philippine flag I own has a story. Did you know that the Philippine flag has a sun on the left side with eight rays, each symbolizing one of the eight provinces the led the Philippine uprising against Spanish rule. (I lived in the Philippines for two and a half years as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer)
Flying through the air, new flags, just waiting to be designed.
So the next time you see a flag wafting in the breeze, think about just some of their varied uses: 1.to represent national pride 2.on ships as signaling devices 3.with explorers to signify "I was first to step here!" 4.pirates with their skull and cross bones 5.checkered flags from races 6.battles
Whether it be cultural, historical, political or social flags have been around for a long time, and are a part of human history.
Would you like to design a flag and have me sail it in the southern ocean? Please send me your snail mail address and I will mail you a nylon flag to decorate with your students, class,or even your own child. All you need are sharpies and creativity, and the ability to send me back the flag once it is decorated.
Here are a few suggestion on designing a flag from the North American Vexillogical societies website:
It takes, material time and patience to make over 50 flags, and a friend who knows how to sew!
Keep the design simple: Use symbols that are meaningful: Two to three basic colors: If you use writing make it clear: Make it "your" flag, be distinctive with your design
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