World Flags: 8 Signature Country Designs and Their Unique Stories
One thing we know about flags is that they are more than just ordinary pieces of cloth. They are colourful cloths consisting of designs and colours symbolising things that are characteristic of the specific nation. Flags differ from one country to another, and they represent each nation’s history and culture. Each country’s flag has its own design and colours, and even though some of them look similar they aren’t the same.
Nowadays, worldwide flags are used for different purposes, however, they are used primarily for sports and cultural events, on public holidays and more. They are used not only as a sign of identification but also as a sign of honour.
The Stories Behind Some of Them
There is an assortment of worldwide flags and today’s number of all country flags is 193. All of them have interesting designs and history behind them which is worth knowing.
Australia
The Australian flag is based on the British Blue Ensign and consists of the Union Jack which is located in the upper left corner, surrounded by 5 stars in the left corner. The Union Jack is located in a canton accompanied by a white seven-pointed Commonwealth Star, located in the lower left corner.
The seven points at the start represent all six Australian states, and the seventh point was added in 1908 symbolising and recognising all Australian territories. All of these represent the commonwealth while the rest of the white starts represent the Southern Cross constellation.
If you are feeling patriotic and want to show your affection and love for your country (especially when watching sports events with friends and family), you can always buy an Australian flag that you can hang on the wall or fly on your balcony. Buying hand-waving flags, and you can also consider the toothpick ones that you can place on food bites.
United Kingdom
This flag in fact is the basis of a lot of other flags. It has red, white and blue colours and it consists of a red cross and is a combination of the crosses of St. George – the patron of England, the Cross of St. Patrick – the patron saint of Ireland, and the Saltire of St. Andrew – the patron saint of Scotland.
Just like any other flag, this one is also used on national and public holidays and events. It’s also flown for military purposes. If you’re a patriotic person, you can invest in one and have it in your home ready to be flown on holidays especially when watching a game in which your country takes part.
USA
The flag of the USA has changed a lot since 1775, consisting of lots of stars and stripes, but today’s one consists of 13 horizontal stripes and 50 stars. This flag has been used as official since the American Independence Day in 1960. The stripes of the flag represent the 13 colonies declaring their independence, and the 50 stars represent the current 50 states of the USA.
South Africa
The flag of this country was accredited following Nelson Mandela’s release from prison which happened in 1990. This ensign consists of several colours black, green and yellow representing the country’s black population while the white, red and blue colours on it are taken from the colours of the Boer Republics. The green colour comes in Y-form and it is said that it means the unification of the many ethnic groups and the ability to move forward in a new South Africa that is united.
Germany
The national flag of Germany is a flag that consists of three horizontal bands in black, red and gold, which also happen to be the national colours of Germany. The colours were declared as Germany’s official colours in the 1840s when the Frankfurt Parliament proposed for this to be Germany’s national flag, representing democracy. The official national flag of Germany was introduced in 1990.
Brazil
The national flag of Brazil was officially adopted in 1889 and features the colour green, which represents the country’s abundant forests and fertile fields. It also features a large yellow diamond symbolising Brazil’s wealth in gold, and a blue celestial globe with white stars that float, representing the night sky over Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian flag’s motto, ‘Ordem e Progresso’, translates to ‘order and progress’.
France
The French flag is a tricolour design, with vertical bands of blue, white and red. The white colour on it represents the King which also happens to be the traditional colour of the House of Bourbon who ruled France until the famous French Revolution. The ensign’s blue and red colours symbolise Paris as these were the colours of the revolutionaries from 1789 who stormed the Bastille.
Canada
The flag of Canada is unique and well-known for its 11-point red Maple Leaf. The flag has been Canada’s national flag since 1965, consisting of two colours red and white. The most interesting thing about it is that it has its own ‘National Flag of Canada’ Day which is celebrated every February.