The Flag of England 1

The Flag of England -1

Description of the English Flag

• As the above picture of the English Flag indicates the overall background is white
• The description of the English Flag is as follows:
• White with a centred red cross that extends to the edges of the flag
• According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the English flag represent the following:
• White - peace and honesty
• Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour

Canton - Flag Terminology

• Flag Terminology - Did you Know ?
• The design and description uses specific flag terminology based on Heraldic principles
• Animal blazons should always appear with the heads facing the flag - staff side
• The Study of the Flags is called Vexillology

The Real St. George

• George run the family estate in Palestine and was born of noble, Christian parents and was a Roman Soldier
• He held the rank of a Roman Tribune. A Tribune was a Roman magistrate whose task it was to protect the people against oppression
• The Emperor was Diocletian (245-313) who was a great persecutor of Christians
• George complained personally to the Emperor about the harsh treatment and persecution of the Christians
• Emperor Diocletian threw George into prison where he was tortured, but he refused to recant his Christian faith
• He was sentenced to death, dragged through the streets and beheaded
• He was martyred at Lydda in Palestine (Nicomedia) and became a cult figure for Christians
• St. George became England's patron saint in the 14th century

The Legend of St. George and the Dragon

• St George was venerated as a soldier saint
• Many legends surrounded the honour and bravery of St. George - the most famous was the legend of St. George and the Dragon
• According to legend a dragon was terrorising a Pagan land. The dragon was at first pacified by being fed sheep but then demanded human sacrifice including a beautiful princess
• The brave St. George rode into the land and, single-handed, slaughtered the dragon

St. George the Saint of Battles

• St George became the Saint of Battles and his symbol, the red cross on the white field, was closely associated with the Crusaders and King Richard the Lionheart
• The Crusaders were Christian Knights who went on Crusades to free Jerusalem from the Infidels
• The Knights wore chain mail armor which was covered by a surcoat. This livery was a white tabard, or tunic, emblazoned by the red cross of St. George.

Flag History ; Evolution:

• The idea of flying a flag grew from the requirements of ancient warfare and the battlefield
• Shields were painted with emblems to identify Friend or Foe
• Warriors needed to know where their leaders were - the custom of carrying a pole was adopted
• An emblem such as a shield, animal 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
• These emblems were the forerunners of modern flags
• The Romans were the first to use a cloth flag - they were 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
• The strict rules of Heraldry are still used when designing an emblem and creating a new flag

English Flag Etiquette

• English Flag etiquette is very strict and is is essential that Flag protocols and rules are followed correctly
• Basic Flag Etiquette applies to all nations, including English as follows:
• Etiquette relating to the order of precedence for the flag
• National Flag of English
• State Flag of English
• Military Flag of English (in order of creation date) 

Other Flag of English

• The United Nations uses alphabetical order when presenting a national flag including the English Flag. Their flag etiquette ensures that no one country's flag has precedence over another country's flag
• The National flag of English should never be flown above another national flag on the same staff as this would suggest superiority, or conversely, inferiority of one flag, or Nation, over another
• The English flag should never be allowed to drag along the ground
• A tattered or faded flag of English should be removed and replaced with a new flag
• Due care and consideration must be taken to ensure that the English flag is always flown the correct way up
• A Flag of English, when in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning in private with all due care and respect

Terminology; Etiquette in English Flag display

• Hoist - the act or function of raising the English flag, as on a rope
• Half Staff or Half Mast - the English flag is hoisted to half of the potential height of the flag pole to denote grief and mourning
• Performed by first raising the English flag to the top, then lowering the English Flag halfway
• Manner of hoisting - The English flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously
• No disrespect should be shown to the English flag
• The English flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit the Flag to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way
• The English flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing on the flag of any nature
• The English flag should be hoisted first and lowered last
• International Flag relating to English Flag usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace
• We hope that the presentation of facts and information regarding English Flag Etiquette has provided a useful resource.