• Facts about the Terminology - the Hoist!
  Hoist - The hoist describes the edge of the flag nearest the flagpole The Hoist can also refer to the height of a flag whilst flying
• Terminology - The Fly
  Fly - The Fly describes the edge opposite the hoist end, furthest from the flagpole
• Terminology - The Canton
  Canton - The Canton is found in the upper left-hand corner
• Terminology - The Field
  The Field - The Field is the background colour of the flag

Fast Facts about Flags
Brief and concise info and facts which will answer all of your questions and provide fun and fast info about Flags! More interesting information about Flags ...

• The Study of the Flags is called Vexillology

• If you enjoy the Study of the Flags (Vexillology) you would be described as a Vexillologist!
• The definition of Flags - an emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
• The objectives - National, or other allegiances, are as symbolized by flags
• Flags have been used for signalling people at a distance. This form of communication was used by the Romans!
• Fact about communication - Used as a flag symbol code in semaphore. They were widely used in the Navy
• The origin and meaning of Flags - The word "flag" is derived from the old Saxon word "fflaken" which means to fly or to float in the air
• Flagships - A Ship carrying the flag of an admiral is called a flagship
• A Flag is often linked to the History of a Nation
• The strict rules of Heraldry are still used when designing an emblem and creating flags of today
• The origins and meanings of colors on the National Flags of the World are detailed below:

• White color - symbol of peace and honesty
• Red Flags - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour
• Blue color facts - symbolise vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice
• Green color fasct - hope, joy and love and in many cultures have a sacred significance
• Black color - determination and often reflects the ethnic heritage of the people
• Facts about Yellow facts - a symbol of generosity

Fast Facts about the Colors of Flags

• Following the customs of Ancient Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with the colors of flags - see the next section for more information about the facts about the history

• The dominant colors convey the required attributes of the different Flag of the World
• Red, Blue, White, Black, Yellow and Green colors on World Flags all hold a significance to the Country of the World that it represents - understanding the significance about the colors of flags is important

Timeline and Facts about the History of Flags

• The use of flying flags as a form of communication, grew from the requirements of ancient battlefields

• Uniforms were not worn in bygone days so shields were painted with emblems to identify Friend or Foe
• Warriors also needed to know where their leaders were so the custom of carrying a pole was adopted and the idea of flags was born
• An emblem such as a shield or religious device was attached to the pole for identification
• The emblems were also used for identity and to cover suits of armour - Coats of Arms were born!
• Emblems were therefore the forerunners of the modern flag
• The Romans were the first to use a cloth flag
• The first Roman flag was square and fastened to cross bars at the end of spears
• The idea of fastening a flag to the side of a pole soon followed - Fascinating info about the history

History of the Flag - Heraldry

• The strict rules of Heraldry are still used when designing an emblem and creating a flag of today in all corners of the World

• The full development of heraldry, in about 1200, brought sophisticated design of the flag, some of which included a Coat of Arms
• "Heraldry" derives from the time of knights entering jousting tournaments, which were always started with a herald sounding a trumpet!
• The official description of a Coat of Arms is called the 'blazon of arms'