Fun Facts About Flags

Fun Facts About Flags

Just about everyone in the United States is familiar with the American flag. The red, white and blue symbol has represented our country for centuries and is proudly displayed at businesses, government offices, residential homes and sporting events. While flags represent countries all over the world, they are much more than symbols of patriotism.

Flags can be used for whimsical reasons or as a means of communication. Take the Jolly Roger, for example: the classic skull and crossbones is easily recognizable as the symbol of a pirate ship. Look out - Blackbeard’s coming! But did you know that the Jolly Roger was also flown to warn other ships (or the harbormaster) of an infectious disease on board? In the days before modern communication, sea captains often used a variety of emblems on their flags to communicate with one another both at sea and in port.

In sports, flags often signify the start of a race or to declare the winner. Many stores and shops display flags to alert customers they are open for business. A bed & breakfast may fly a flag with a pineapple emblem to welcome their guests.

Some religions use flags for ceremonial purposes. Other purposes include holiday decorations, political affiliations or support for causes. The rainbow flag, for example, represents gay and lesbian pride. A flag sporting a pink ribbon signifies support for breast cancer research. The possibilities are limited only by one’s imagination, and the history of flags and their use is rich and complex.

For more information on flags, try a web search on the term, “vexillology”, the study of flags. You’ll find a ton of information on the usage of flags and their origins.

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