Carrot Top

The historical origin of flags dates back to around 1000 BC, when the Egyptians used primitive versions of flags - some were even made out of wood or metal. Flags were originally used for the purpose of identification or to signal to others. Although flags are still used for many of those reasons today, flags have also come to be used for much more.

Flags have also been important symbols on land as well as on sea. Ships started using flags at sea to signal to each other and to harbors, often to let them know they had an infectious or diseased crew aboard. Flags are still used today to let sailors know what weather conditions await at sea. The military also made use of flags to rally its troops. In military times, capturing an enemy’s flag was considered an honorable seizure.

Although the most popular use of flags today is to identify the world’s countries, the use of national flags didn’t become commonplace until the 18th century. National flags are now used to identify each country and their symbolism.

When Mount Everest and the moon were conquered, and when new found lands were discovered, explorers would raise flags as signs of their being the first to tread these unchartered lands. Flags have also been used historically, many with negative consequences. For example, ancient pirates used flags decorated with the feared skull and crossbones emblem, and the Nazis used a flag decorated with a swastika.

Today, flags are still used to signify crucial events. For example, if you are offside in a soccer game, the linesman raises his flag, or when an auto race begins a flag is traditionally waved to start the race.

In fact, the numerous uses for flags and their examination have become so popular that the practice of ‘vexillology’, which means the academic study of flags, has been developed.

Racing flags were first used in motor sports around 1899.They are an historic and essential part of racing to keep the fans and drivers informed of what is happening on the track at any given time. Flags tell the drivers what is going on during practice, qualifying and racing, and they also warn of driving conditions and let the drivers know what the officials want them to do.

The colors and meanings of auto racing flags originate from old shipping ports, which used flags to signal to incoming and outgoing ships. You must understand the meaning of the flags to be fully aware of what is happening on the track.

Flags have different meanings in various racing series and sometimes even from track to track. Stationary and waving flags can have different meanings as can a flag pointed at a specific driver, so it’s important the officials display the flags in their correct manner.

Red Flag:
This flag is used at the start line to stop a practice session or a race. It may also be used to close the circuit. When shown, all drivers should slow down immediately and move to the pit lane and be prepared to stop. There is no passing allowed on this flag.

Black and White Checkered Flag
This flag is used to end a practice session or the race.

Black Flag
This flag is used to let the driver know he must stop at his pit. If the driver fails to stop, the flag should not be shown for more than four consecutive laps.

Black flag with an orange circle in the middle
This flag is used to inform a driver his car has mechanical problems that could be dangerous and thus, to stop at his pit to have the problems rectified.

Black and White Diagonal Flag
This flag is used to warn a driver he has been accused of unsportsmanlike behavior and should be shown only once.

Danger Flag
This flag is used to signify danger. Drivers should slow down, not pass and be ready to change direction due to a hazard beside or on the track.

Yellow Flag with Red Stripes
This flag is used to let drivers know there is oil or water on the track ahead. It should be displayed for at least four laps.

Passing Flag
This flag is used to let a driver know he is about to be passed. It has different meanings in practice and a race. In practice it means give way to a car that is passing you. In a race it means you are about to be lapped and to give way to the car.

White Flag
This flag is used to let drivers know there is a much slower auto ahead.

Green Flag
This flag is used to indicate the track is clear and should be used after the use of a yellow flag. It can also be used to start a warm-up lap or practice session.

Badge: A coat of arms.

Base or Field: The background or main color of the flag.

Banner: A flag-like cloth draped, or stretched, between two anchor points

Bicolor: A flag that has two colors, usually of equal size.

Bordering: A different-colored edge around the outside of the flag, or part of a flag.

Civil flag: The version of the country’s national flag, for use by private citizens.

Defacing: Changing a flag by adding something to it, especially concerning colonial flags. Note: that the term ‘defacing’ doesn’t mean ‘vandalizing’ when used in reference to flags.

Differencing: Referring to the design of one flag as a variation of another flag - either by changing a color, or adding or removing a charge, etc. For example, the flag of Italy was ‘differenced’ from that of France by changing the blue stripe to green.

Ensign: A flag used by ships at sea.

Field: A background or predominant color.

Finial: The ornament on the end of a flagstaff or flagpole.

Fly: The edge or end of a flag furthest away from the pole.

Halyard: A rope used to raise a flag.

Honor point: The place on a flag where the color, or charge, with the greatest, or highest, symbolism is placed - almost always the upper left hand side.

Mast or pole: A device used to fly a flag.

Pennant: (or pennon), any triangular or roughly triangular flag.

Proportion: (or ratio), the relationship of a flag’s width to its length, for example the Russian flag has a proportion of 1:2.

Saint Andrew’s cross: A cross stretching from corner to corner of a flag, forming an ‘X’, also called a ’saltire’.

Saint George’s Cross: A cross with arms vertical and horizontal, forming a ‘+’, stretching out to the edges of the flag.

Scandinavian cross: A Saint George’s Cross placed off-centered, towards the hoist. Seen on Scandinavian and Nordic flags.

Swallowtail: A flag that comes to two or three points at the fly end.

Vexillogram: A picture or design specification for a flag.

Vexillographer: A person who designs flags.

Vexillology: The academic study of flags.

Vexillophile: A flag collector or flag enthusiast.

Wearing: A synonym for ‘flying’, when applied to the ensign of a ship at sea.