Flags have been around for long over 4,000 years and have come to mean many things for many different people. One of the first flags can be dated back to 3000 BC to the country that is now known as Iran. This was a metal flag and findings show that is was displayed prominently on coins and carvings. These metal flags are also known as "vexilloids", and today vexillology is another word for the "study of flags". The first flags were placed on top of poles for everyone to see. It wasn't until later years that the flags were given some sort of adornment.
This adornment came in the shape of pieces of fabric material. Today, flags as we know them are made of fabric and they are used to symbolize something, such as a country, a city, a group, or a person. Flags today send a message to others about the origin of what they are representing.
Many years ago knights in armor would carry their flags, symbolizing from where they were from, into battle with them. This was because when the knights were all suited up in their armor it was hard to tell who was who. Flags gave them identity while they were engaged in battle. Each country in the world today has a flag to represent it. Sometimes flags will change as the government of country changes. Many organizations will have a flag for representation.
A good example of this is the Olympics, which have been represented by the same flag, the five circles, for many years. Flags are used for many different types of celebrations that include wars, sports events, and celebrating national heroes on their death. There are many colors that have a certain meaning when they are represented on flags: white is the symbol of peace and surrender, red is the symbol of danger and power, black is the color of death and mourning, and yellow is a precautionary color.
Flags are used all over the world for a variety of reasons and will continue to change and grow as the world grows older.
James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.best-in-flags.com
