Flags have a rich history and heritage. Flags trace their genesis to the use of staffs or vexilloids, that were commonly used to lead men into battle. These staffs were decorated with symbols and other items, giving the soldiers a feeling of camaraderie. With time, these staffs were adorned with silk and other types of material. This is what we see now as the modern day 'Flag'. Now every country has its own flag as an identity. These are used to stake claim over a new land or a symbol of presence - flag on the moon by Neil Armstrong.
Flags have been used for centuries to signify different things. They can be used to signify civilizations, ideas, groups, and nations. Flags were not used to symbolize a nation until the eighteenth century. Today, every nation has their own flag, each rich with symbolism. This symbolism often only means something to the inhabitants of that nation.
The flag of the United States of America first stood for the original thirteen states. Each state was represented by a star and there were stripes in the body, thus its name stars and stripes. Since 1777 the flag was continually being revised, but in 1960 when Hawaii became the 50th state in the USA, the flag was completed.
Great Britain's flag is known as the Union Jack. In 1801 it was designated as the official flag of the country. Their flag symbolizes its three united countries of England, Scotland, and Ireland. In 1920 Ireland split and now the Union Jack represents only Northern Ireland. The familiar Union Jack also appears on other flags including Australia.
The Canadian flag has a red maple leaf flanked by stripes of red. Despite the fact that the maple leaf was a Canadian symbol for many years, the design of the current flag was officially adopted only in 1965. The two stripes represent the Pacific and Atlantic oceans that flank the country.
Another very interesting flag is from Barbados. It is represented by a yellow center that signifies the beaches of Barbados flanked by two stripes of blue on either side which represent the ocean and the sky. The center also has a broken trident which represents Neptune. The break symbolizes the splitting of Barbados from Britain in 1966.
Jewish values are prominently displayed to the world on the flag of Israel. The flag that became official in 1948, has blue and white stripes which represent a type of Jewish shawl used for prayers. The flag also has the Star of David in the center.
Every flag in the world is steeped in history, symbolism, and quite often religion. Some flags have religious sayings or symbols on it, showing the values of that particular nation. New flags are created occasionally, as territories shift, and nations combine. Two fairly new flags that are easily recognizable are the flags for the United Nations and the European Union.
People love their national flags and are proud of what they express. The flag tells who the people are and what they value. Flags have proudly flown for thousands of years and will continue to fly throughout the world forever.
About the author: George Pascatt is the chief editor for Flag FX, a fantastic website to visit if you're looking for accurate up to date advice and discussion about Flags. For questions or comments about this article visit: www.flagfx.com/articles
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