Flag Etiquettes
Flags, banners, standards and other similar symbols are used to represent a country, an organization and even individuals. The flags used by a country, an international organization, a state, or a province are physical representations of their sovereignty, values, and pride. National flags and all other official flags should then be treated with proper accordance and respect rightly due to these important symbols. Similarly, flags representing an individual or a group, such as the king, a governor-general or a royal house should be treated with respect and dignity as one would extend to these individuals.
The correct manner of displaying and flying flags, particularly national flags, is called flag etiquette or flag protocol. This set of flag custom has been regulated by established traditions for many years. Often, the etiquette of flag display differs between countries and the particular flag in display. Some countries may follow a statute regarding the proper way of hoisting or flying their flag. Others may simply have a set of guidelines not necessarily regulated by law.
Although the finer details of flag etiquette may differ from one country to another, the general rules of displaying a flag apply to almost anywhere. These rules also depend on the type of flag to be displayed. The following are the general rules to observe when flying or hoisting specific flags:
Flags of International Organizations
These rules apply to flags representing international organizations, like the United Nations (UN), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union (EU), and the Commonwealth of Nations. These flags are often flown at times or in places associated with the organization, its creation, or an event related to it. When an organization hosts a place or an event, it is often given the position of honor amongst the other flags displayed there.
National Flags
National flags are physical representations of a nation, its government, institutions, civil and military installations, its armed forces, and its people. The following is the general flag etiquette when flying national flags:
Display of Flags
- National flags are often given the position of honor when flown in their own soil. It should be given the center mast.
- National flags must be flown from sunrise to sunset on a clear day. It should not be flown in bad weather, such as during a thunder storm.
- National flags flown at night should be properly illuminated.
- They must never touch the ground water, or the floor when displayed indoors.
- Flags should never be used to carry or cover other items.
Raising and Lowering Flags
- National flags must be hoisted in a brisk fashion and should be lowered in a dignified manner.
- When raised or lowered to a national anthem, all those who are present should face the flag, remove their hats, and remain silent. Persons in uniform should render a salute.
National Flags Displayed with Other National Flags
- When national flags are flown together in a single event or location, they all must be displayed as equals. Each should have a flagpole of the same size and no flag should be bigger than the other.
- National flags of multiple countries should be arranged in alphabetical order when displayed all together, with the host country‘s flag hoisted on the left.
- When flown from an array of odd number flagpoles, the host nation’s flag is flown from the center pole.
- When displayed on a crossed pole, the national flag should be on the far left of the observer. Meanwhile, it should be placed in the center when displayed with other flags in a semicircle.
Flags Displayed Indoors
- When hung horizontally, the flag should hang in a manner where the canton is nearest to the top of the pole. When hung vertically, the flag should be rotated to ensure that the canton is near the top of the pole.
- When hung from the wall, the canton should be at the upper left from the observer’s point of view.
Flags Covering a Casket
- The canton or the upper hoist of the flag should always be on the upper left corner of the casket.
- The flag should be removed before the casket is lowered to the ground.
- National flags are usually used as a covering on the casket of an important member of government, military or someone of similar stature.
Half-Masting Flags
- In general, national flags are half-masted on the death of the head of state, head of government, and other important persons.
- When raising to be half-masted, the flag is first raised fully then slowly lowered to the half-mast position.
Disposal of Flags
- Flags which are no longer in good condition should not be displayed and must be disposed in a dignified manner such as a private burning.
Flags Displayed from a Vessel
- It is normally flown from the stern or mast of a vessel registered to that country while it is in its own waters or at harbors abroad. The national flag is also flown in high seas when another Vessel signals to identify its nationality.
- When visiting another country, vessels usually fly the flag of the host country from the bow or foremast while in the harbor of that country.
Provincial, State, and Territorial Flags
When flown in their province or territory, these flags take primacy over all other flags, except the national flag. They are often flown with the flag of the nation in which it belongs. However, whenever flown with the flag of another country, its own nation’s flag should be flown as well.
The protocol for displaying state or provincial flags are often much complex than the procedures for displaying national flags with other national flags. The protocols, therefore, differ in details from one country to another.
Individual Flags
These kinds of flags are mostly uncommon these days. These flags were once banners or standards used by knights for identification, particularly during battle. Nowadays, individual flags are used to identify and locate their owners. When flown over his house, it indicates his property. When flown elsewhere, the flag signifies its owner’s presence.
Anyone can have their own flag, banner, or standard. However, in some areas, the display of such symbols is regulated by a particular statute. The display of such flags with other flags is also much complex and detailed.