Skip to main content

This is what 24 of the world's most iconic flags mean

From the skull and bones at the top of a pirate ship to a white flag on a battlefield, a single piece of fabric can be interpreted in a multitude of ways. Depending on where they fly, flags can represent freedom or control, danger or safety.
In the context of modern times, flags are best known as national symbols — and they’re used to air a country’s past, present, and future vision all rolled into one.

The Meaning of Flags
Today’s infographic from Just the Flight looks at some the world’s most iconic flags, and the intricate stories and ideals that can be found in their designs.










The Americas
Since 1777, the star-spangled banner of the United States has gone through several facelifts. The current version has been in use since Hawaii gained statehood in 1960. Puerto Rico has been voting to become the 51st state in recent years — and if the U.S. government proved to accept such a resolution, the flag would be amended once more.
The largest country in South America, Brazil adopted its flag design in 1889. The primarily green background represents its lush Amazonian forest while the yellow diamond signifies its wealth in gold. Meanwhile, the Portuguese slogan on the flag, Ordem e Progresso, is a nod to democracy.

Europe
Denmark holds the Guinness world record for the oldest continuous use of their national flag, since 1625. The Danish flag is known as the Dannebrog, or Danish Cloth — as legend has it, the Dannebrog ‘miraculously’ fell from the sky in a battle during the Northern Crusades.
The Union Jack of the United Kingdom combines aspects of three older national flags and was adopted in 1801. Displaying the flag upside down is considered lèse-majesté — “to do wrong to majesty”, or an insult to the Crown — and is offensive to some.

Asia and Oceania
India’s tricolor flag was first flown in 1923. However, the colors do not represent religions or hours in the day — saffron symbolizes indifference to material gains, the white band represents light while the navy blue Dharma Chakra (wheel of truth) depicts dynamic change, and green demonstrates the country’s relationship to nature.
New Zealand’s flag features elements from the British Commonwealth. Since 2015, there have been ongoing debates among Kiwis about whether to amend the flag’s design. Frequent confusion with Australia is a significant pro for change, but national identity and financial costs are strong arguments against it.
Nepal is the only country without a rectangular (or square) national flag. The two triangles pay tribute to its geographic location in the Himalayas as well as the Shah and Rana dynasties. The sun and moon symbols on the flag used to have human faces on them, but were removed in 1962.

Africa
South Africa boasts one of the world’s most colorful flags. When it was first adopted after Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, it was the first world flag to have six colors but no seal or brocade. Interestingly, while there is no inherent meaning in its colors, the Y shape symbolizes the convergence of diverse elements and societal unity.
Mozambique is the only national flag in the world to feature a modern weapon – specifically, an AK-47 with an attached bayonet. Adopted in 1983, the rifle represents vigilance and defense, while the hoe crossing it represents the country’s agriculture.




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Your Cell Phone Is 10 Times Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat. Here's What to Do About It

Most people don’t give a second thought to using their  cell phone everywhere , from their morning commute to the  dinner table  to the doctor’s office. But research shows that cell phones are far dirtier than most people think, and the more germs they collect, the more germs you touch. In fact, your own hand is the biggest culprit when it comes to putting filth on your phone. Americans check their phones about 47 times per day, according to a  survey by Deloitte , which affords plenty of opportunities for microorganisms to move from your fingers to your phone. “Because people are always carrying their cell phones even in situations where they would normally wash their hands before doing anything, cell phones do tend to get pretty gross,” says Emily Martin, assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Research has varied on just how many germs are crawling on the average cell phone, but a  recent study  f...

50 online business ideas you can start right away.

50 online business ideas you can start right away. They can work singly or in combination with others. Most of them require you to master particular skills before you start. Non guarantees quick money. However most of them can make you real rich in three years time. 1-Blogger 2-Virtual Assistant 3-Social Media Manager 4-Social Media Consultant 5-Social Media Influencer 6-eBook Author 7-Online Course Creator 8-Business Coach 9-SEO Consultant 10-Affiliate Marketer 11-YouTube Personality 12-Podcaster 13-eBay Seller 14-Handmade Business Owner 15-Web Designer 16-Website Developer 17-Graphic Designer 18-App Developer 19-Domain Reseller 20-Freelance Writer 21-T-shirt Designer 22-Remote Tutor 23-Online Advertising Specialist 24-Travel Consultant 25-Proofreader 26-Stock Photographer 27-Website Copywriter 28-Virtual Tech Support 29-Contract Customer Service 30-Software Developer 31-Marketing Consultant 32-WordPress Theme...