Thursday 24 December 2009

Flags of the World

Every country has its own identity, which is usually represented by its national flag. As a national symbol, you can always see these flags waving over public institutions such as town halls, plazas, schools and government agencies. These world flags are well respected by the inhabitants of their represented countries. Most often, these flags can also be honorary rewards for people who have performed well in serving the country.

Given the different uses of this national symbol, it is just practical for anyone to know the secrets as well as the importance of knowing the meaning printed on these flags.

Every flag has its own origin, most commonly based on historical and cultural factors. Discovering the essential facts about these world flags would definitely much easier if you find what you need on the Internet. You can find numerous databases of the flags of the world available online. These sources are highly usable for research and educational purposes.

It also gives knowledge to people who are visiting a foreign nation a bit history of the location by knowing the meaning of the country’s flag. Identifying these details about a flag can surely help you in understanding the country you are visiting.

Popular Flags of the World

Although all countries have their own flag, some have received much popularity not just on their sovereign but also worldwide. Here are some of the famous flags and their respective meanings:

1. American Flag – Also known as The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory or The Star Spangled Banner, the American flag is one of the well respected among the world flags. As the primary symbol of the United States of America, you can find it waving on popular locations such as the White House, New York Stock Exchange, National Mall and other important places in the US.

The stars and stripes of the American flag symbolise the current and original states of the United States. Although it has been a very familiar sight, there are no legally defined meanings of the symbols included in the American flag.

2. Union Flag – Simply known as the British flag, it is formally described as the Flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Union flag is also one of the well-known world flags all over the planet. The design of the British flag is the combination of three crosses namely the Cross of Saint Andrew, the Cross of Saint Patrick and the Cross of Saint George.

Although the Union flag primarily represents the United Kingdom, you can also find it present on other national flags of other countries and states. Varying in position and sizes, you can spot the Union flag included in the flags of Australia, New Zealand, Tuvalu, Fiji, British Columbia, South Africa and the state of Hawaii. Other countries also have included the Union flag in their respective national symbols during the past such as United States, Malaysia, Kenya, Singapore, India, Jamaica, Malta, Mauritius, Nigeria and many more.

All these flags and more are available at Flags of the World

The Flag Collectors Guide

The Flag Collectors Guide

Although not as widely publicised as other forms of collecting (stamps and coins are examples), collecting flags is a hobby that is steadily growing in popularity. The study of flags is known as vexillology and can be a challenging hobby to enjoy. Now collectors may buy flags online. Flags of the world can be found, so that adding to ones collection can be easily accomplished. These may be flags in any size, from small to very large.

The following is a list of some of the terminology used regarding flags.

• Staff: also known as the flag pole or flagstaff. The term flagstaff is preferred over flagpole.
• Hoist: is the flag’s edge closest to the staff. Also this is the vertical width in regards to a flag.
• Fly: this is the flag edge farthest from the staff and sometimes means the horizontal length of the flag.
• Length: the measure of a flag from left side to right.
• Width: the measure of a flag top to bottom or down the side which is parallel to its staff.
• Field: the colour of the flags background.
• Charge: refers to any design, emblem, symbol, or figure that appears on the flag.
• Badge: refers to a coat of arms, heraldic symbol, or shield displayed on a flag.
• Fimbriation: is an edging or border separating two different colours.
• Canton: is a quarter of a flag, any quarter but normally upper left hoist area. The canton on a US flag would be the field of stars.
• Saltire: is depicted by a cross which goes from the centre out to the four corners of a flag. Scotland’s flag is an example of a saltire as the St. Andrew’s cross covers it.

Flags differ from banners and pennants due to the fact they drape downward in a relaxed fashion unless there is enough wind to unfurl them. Pennants and banners hang down straight from their horizontal mount, allowing them to constantly display whatever is adorned on them.

Flags are available on the internet from virtually every country that recognises one. The Union Jack, as well as the Irish flag, Scotland, Welsh flag, the Lion Rampant Scottish and many others representing the United Kingdom are all to be found and added to a collection.

Collectors may buy flags online from every corner of the world including, an Australian flag, flags from China, Africa, or India are all available. How about a Jolly Roger or pirate flag? That infamous skull and crossbones is a very popular addition to any vexillologists collection.

Whatever the occasion, there may well be a flag designed to honour it. Halloween, Christmas, Birthday, New Year flags are all available and considered welcome additions to most any collection. Perhaps you are a Bob Marley fan seeking a flag representing him? There is one for you. Or how about Harley Davidson motorcycles? There is one representing them as well.

The 2010 World Cup is coming up soon, so collectors don’t want to miss out on obtaining flags representing that great series of events. There are flags from every participating country for the 2010 soccer cup competition. So buy flags online and add to your collection (or start one now).

Bunting

Top Party Essentials

There are occasions that are celebrated with parties, which are adorned with patriotic and festive decorations made from paper or cloth that are generally in the form of wide streamers, draperies and other such ornaments. Such a decoration is called a bunting - and it is sometimes in the colours of the national flag, depending on the occasion.

There are a lot of designs that can be made in party buntings. Such adornments can be in the form of a flag or a pennant which can be ordered in various sizes and can be set up indoor or outdoor. For flag party requirements, you can choose from a large national flag, hand held national flag, flag card cut outs and national bunting arranged like pennants and strung on overhead spaces to add a look of patriotism to your party. These items come in full colours and made from various materials such as PVC, polyester, paper and plastic.

Ordering bunting from an online store is easier and more convenient since you can browse the available designs from the comfort of your own home or office. Planning for an occasion and shopping for all the top party essentials that are required for a successful party result can be very demanding.

There are traditional sources that you can tap for such materials, but going to and from such places requires much time and effort, something that you might not have if you are working on a schedule. An online store can supply, source, design, pack and distribute your bunting direct from its warehouse. So, there is no wasted time for your orders to come through.

Bunting can also be made in a unique form. Aside from the variously designed bunting, which you can browse for on an online shop, you can contact them directly and tell them about your specifications. A store representative can talk it out with you and come out with a satisfactory design.

The beauty of online shopping is that all designs are posted on the website, together with the price for each item. Foreign nationals that are celebrating a national holiday can choose from national flag buntings that were created for such an occasion. It is not only the current national colours that are themed in such designs but also historical flags which are of consequence to a particular country.

Ordered items are usually ready for next day delivery. Bunting suppliers usually require its shoppers to sign in with the site first before he can shop for a party item but once it is done, the shopping process is quite straightforward. You put a chosen item into a virtual shopping basket then go to a checkout counter.

There are several shipping and payment options that are available for each site so it is easy to facilitate the transaction. If you are new at online shopping for such party needs, you can browse through a shopping guide for such items which contains a list of websites that you can access for your bunting requirements or better still, buy flags online here.