The first known flags were
those used around 3,000 B.C. in Ancient Greece
and Egypt. They were called vexilloids. Today we
call vexillology the study of flags. These first
flags were carvings on top of metal or wooden
poles. It wasn’t until 2,000 years ago that the
idea to use material with a design on top of the
pole was introduced. Flags are used to give a
message, represent your organization, and
celebrate events.
Today, a flag is described as a coloured fabric
that symbolizes something or that sends a
signal. In medieval times, Knights carried flags
to easily tell their friends from their enemies
because they all looked alike in their armour.
Most everyone is familiar with surrender flag, a
plain white flag waived to indicate to your
enemy that you give up.
Every country has a unique flag. Every state in
the United States has its own state flag. Most
organizations have their own flag including
Girl/Boy Scouts of America, VFW, and many
schools. One of the most well know flags in the
Olympic Flag because it represents all nations.
The 5 circles on the flag represent the 5
continents coming together in peace for friendly
competition.
AP - Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson told international leaders on Sunday that isolationism and protectionism could worsen the spreading financial crisis. With a new trading week dawning, U.S. lawmakers urged quick action by the Bush administration on measures to make direct purchases of bank stock to help unlock lending.
AP - Most Asian stock markets recovered in early trading Monday after last week's historic sell-off as governments around the world intensified efforts to boost the ailing financial system.
AP - Republican John McCain vowed Sunday to "whip" Democratic rival Barack Obama's "you-know-what" when the two presidential candidates meet Wednesday in their final televised debate.
AP - Suicide car bombers struck twice Sunday in the northern city of Mosul, killing at least six people and wounding dozens of others, U.S. and Iraqi officials said. A car bomb killed seven other people in Baghdad.
AP - Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden on Sunday accused the McCain campaign of trying to distract Americans from their economic woes by launching "unbecoming personal attacks" at Barack Obama.
Another well known flag is
that of the United Nations. The olive branch in
the centre represents peace for all Nations. The
American flag flies at half-mast to honour the
dead, as well as drapes the coffin at the
funerals of those who have served in the
military.
Regardless of who the flag belongs to, colours
used have particular meanings. Red is for
courage and power. White represents surrender.
Orange is a reminder of sacrifice. Green
represents safety and hope. Yellow is for
caution. Black is a sign of death and mourning.
Flags come in all shapes, sizes, and colours.
Much thought goes into the design of each flag
because they want it to be a representation of
who they are and what they stand for. Knowing
the meanings of the colours on flags will help
you to decipher that information .
