Post by Vorpal Fennec on Dec 28, 2016 20:25:01 GMT -5
Flag Assistance
Here is the place to ask for help with your flag, to ask questions about the symbolism behind common flag elements, or to volunteer your time and software to help a member out.
Please offer something other than "I need a flag". Preferred colors, similar patterns, links to things similar to what you want will all help the artist out. However, don't be lazy. Try to come up with some things on your own. MS Paint, PhotoShop, and other programs allow you to work on your project at your own pace and according to your whims. There's a satisfaction that comes from doing your own design.
People sometimes pick things for their flag just because they like it or it's their favorite color. Too many people copy an existing flag (mostly seen with Communist nations or anime-based nations) without ever understanding the purpose behind each element on the flag.
A national flag is a flag that symbolizes a country. Try to put some thought into the flag's elements in order to best reflect your nation's purpose, history, or stance.
Flags often inherit traits seen in traditional European heraldry designs and as a result patterns often share names. (I've spoilered an old school heraldry list below). This includes the symbolism expressed by colors and shapes though, really, you can make colors represent anything you damn well want.
THE DESIGN:
The North American Vexillological Association and the Flag Institute Guiding Principles of Flag Design, in summary: (sauce)
- "When designing a flag remember that it will fly in the wind and is not just a rectangular design on paper - so think what the flag will look like when flying in a brisk breeze and when hanging down on a still day."
- "Simplicity is important in creating a design that is easy to recognize and simple to reproduce. Try re-drawing the design freehand to see whether an imperfect drawing of the flag can still be easily identified. Also try imagining it at a small size, such as a lapel pin, or when viewed from a distance, when small details will not be obvious."
- "A flag needs to be distinctive to stop it being mistaken for another. Compare it to neighboring and similar flags to check that they are not easily confused."
- "If you want a flag to remain popular for a long time, it should look as “timeless” as possible, to make it immune to changing fashions. Avoid using features in the design that will cause the flag to become dated or obsolete, e.g., a reference to farming could be timeless but depicting a particular style of tractor will date very quickly. Imagine the flag in a historic setting and in a very modern setting to check whether it would work in both."
STANDARD FLAG PARTS/TERMINOLOGY
Badge - A coat of arms or simple heraldic symbol.
Canton - Any quarter of a flag, but commonly means the upper hoist (left) quarter, such as the field of stars in the flag of the United States or the Union Jack in the Australian Flag.
Charge - A figure or symbol appearing in the field of a flag.
Emblem - A device often used as a charge on a flag. It may be heraldic in origin or modern, for example the maple leaf on the Canadian Flag.
Field - The background of a flag; the color behind the charges.
Fimbriation - A narrow edging or border, often in white or gold, on a flag to separate two other colors. For example the white and gold lines of the South African Flag.
Fly - The half or edge of a flag farthest away from the flagpole. This term also sometimes refers to the horizontal length of a flag.
Hoist - The half or edge of a flag nearest to the flagpole. This term also sometimes refers to the vertical width of a flag.
Length - The span of a flag along the side at right angles to the flagpole.
Width - The span of a flag down the side parallel to the flagpole.
BASIC FLAG PATTERNS:
Bordure:
"In heraldry, a bordure is a band of contrasting tincture forming a border around the edge of a shield, traditionally one-sixth as wide as the shield itself. It is sometimes reckoned as an ordinary and sometimes as a subordinary." - click for more about bordure
Canton
The canton of a flag is the top inner corner of a flag.
Quadrisection:
Greek Cross:
So many variants!
Symmetric Cross:
Nordic Cross:
The center of this cross is shifted towards the hoist (left).
Pale:
Fess:
Bend:
Chevron:
Pall:
Saltire:
OLD SCHOOL SYMBOLISM of HERALDRY
I haven't added modern elements here such as the hammer and sickle.
Colors and Metals
Or, yellow or gold - Generosity.
Argent, white or silver - Peace and sincerity.
Sable or black - Constancy, sometimes grief.
Azure or blue - Loyalty and truth.
Gules or red - Military fortitude and magnanimity.
Vert or green - Hope, joy and sometimes loyalty in love.
Purpure, purple - Royal majesty, sovereignty and justice.
Tenne or tawney - Worthy ambition.
Murray or sanguine - Not hasty in battle, and yet a victor.
Heraldic Lines
Nebulee or Nebuly - The sea or water.
Engrailed and Invected - Earth or land.
Indented - Fire.
Dancette - Water.
Ragulee or Raguly - Difficulties which have been encountered.
Embattled - Fire or the walls of a fortress or town.
Ordinaries
Chief - Dominion and authority.
Cross - Chevron - Protection.
Fess - Military belt or girdle of honor.
Bar - For "one who sets the bar of conscience, religion and honor against angry passions.
Pale - Military strength and fortitude.
Palet - Same as Pale.
Pile - Same as Pale.
Canton - Bearing of honor. When borne charged, it often contains some special symbols
granted by the sovereign in reward for the performance of eminent service.
Quarter - Bearing of honor. Similar to the Canton.
Bend - Defense or protection.
Battune Sinister - Marks a royal descent that is barred by illegitimacy from succession to
the throne.
Orle or Tressure - Preservation or protection.
Flasques - Given by a king for virtue and learning, and especially for service in embassage.
Voiders - Given to gentlewomen who have deserved highly.
Bordure or Border - Frequently adopted as a "difference" between relatives bearing the
same arms.
Gyron - Unity.
Common Charges
Lion - Deathless courage.
Tiger - Great fierceness and valor when enraged to combat; one whose resentment will be
dangerous if aroused.
Bear - Ferocity in the protection of kindred.
Wolf - Denotes valiant captains that do in the end gain their attempts after long sieges and
hard enterprises. One whom it is dangerous to assail or thwart.
Rhinoceros - Great ferocity when aroused.
Elephant - Courage and strength.
Heraldic Tiger - Same as Tiger.
Leopard - Valiant and hardy warrior.
Panther - As a lion may be said to signify a brave man, so may a panther a beautiful
woman, which, though fierce, is very tender and loving to her young, and will defend it
with the hazard of her life.
Horse - Readiness for all employments for king and country.
Bull or Ox - Valor and magnanimity.
Boar - A fierce combatant when at bay, and ceases fighting only with its life, and therefore
may be properly applied as the armorial bearing of a warrior.
Goat - Emblem of that martial man who wins a victory by the employment rather of policy
than valor.
Lamb - Gentleness and patience under suffering.
Ram - Authority.
Hares and Rabbits - One who enjoys a peaceable and retired life.
Squirrel - Sylvan retirement being the delight of its bearer.
Hedgehog - Provident provider.
Beaver - Industry and perseverance.
Fox - One who will use all that he may posses of sagacity, wit or wisdom in his own
defense.
Talbot, Mastiff and Greyhound - Courage, vigilancy and loyal fidelity.
Cat or Cat-A-Mountain - Liberty, vigilance, forecast and courage.
Camel - Docility, patience and indefatigable perseverance.
Bee - Well-governed industry.
Ant - Symbolizes a man of great labor, wisdom and providence.
Spider - Wisdom, labor and providence in all affairs.
Grasshopper - Wisdom and nobility.
House Snail - Deliberation and perseverance.
Double Eagle and Eagle - Signifies a man of action, ever more occupied in high and
weighty affairs, and one of lofty spirit, ingenious, speedy in apprehension and judicious in
matters of ambiguity.
Alerion - Signifies one who having been maimed and lamed in war, was thus prevented
from fully asserting his power.
Wings - Celebrity, sometimes protection or coverture.
Feathers (usually ostrich) - Willing obedience and serenity.
Falcon or Hawk - One eager or hot in the pursuit of an object much desired.
Hawks or Falcons Bells - One who feared not to signal his approach in either peace or
war.
Owl - One who is vigilant and of acute wit.
Peacock - Beauty and pride of carriage.
Pelican - Devoted and self-sacrificing charity.
Stork - Filial duty, emblem of a grateful man.
Swan - A lover of poetry and harmony.
Goose and Duck - A man of many resources.
Gannet - To subsist by the wings of his virtue and merit, having little land to rest upon.
Swallow - One who is prompt and ready in the dispatch of his business.
Cock - Courage, always ready for battle, ready to fight to the death.
Dove - Loving constancy and peace.
Raven - One who, having derived little from his ancestors, has through Providence
become the architect of his own fortunes or one of an enduring constancy of nature.
Crow - Signifies a settled habitation and a quiet life.
Dolphin - Charity and a kind affection towards children.
Tortoise - Invulnerability to attack.
Unicorn - Extreme courage.
Griffin - Sets forth the property of a valorous soldier whose magnanimity is such that he
will dare all dangers, and even death itself, rather than become captive.
Dragon - A most valiant defender of treasure.
Cockatrice - Terror to all beholders.
Sphinx - Omniscience and secrecy.
Pegasus - Exceeding activity and energy of mind whereby one may mount to honour.
Harpy - Ferocity under provocation.
Mermaid - Eloquence.
Centuar - For those who have been eminent in the field.
Hydra - The conquest of a very powerful enemy.
Phoenix - Resurrection.
Stag, Hart, Buck and Deer - Policy, Peace and Harmony.
Horns and Antlers - Strength and Fortitude.
Escallop Shell - One who has made long journeys or voyages to far countries, who had
borne considerable naval command or who had gained great victories.
Other Shells - Protection of Providence.
Heart - Charity, sincerity.
Flaming Heart - Ardent affection.
Hand - Faith, sincerity and justice.
Red Hand - Usual mark for a baronet if borne on a small escutcheon.
Arm - A laborious and industrious person.
Gauntlet - Signify a man armed for the performance of martial enterprise.
Leg - Strength, stability and expedition.
Shoe - Same as Leg.
Foot - Same as leg.
Human Head - Honor.
Blackamoor Head - Deeds of prowess in the Crusades.
Skulls - Mortality.
Crossed Thigh-bones - Mortality.
Eye - Providence in Government.
Millstones - The mutual converse of human society.
Sceptre - Justice.
Trident - Maritime dominion.
Crown - Royal or seigniorial authority.
Celestial Crown - Heavenly reward.
Pastoral Crosier - The emblem of a shepherd’s watchfulness over his flock, and denotes
episcopal jurisdiction and authority.
Annulet or Finger Ring - Fidelity.
Lozenge - Honesty and constancy, also held to be a token of noble birth.
Billets - Their first bearer was a man who obtained credence, knowledge and faith in his
words and deeds, and who was secret in his affairs.
Pen - Emblematic of the liberal art of writing and of learned employments.
Inkhorn - Same as pen.
Harp - Contemplation.
Lyre - Same as harp.
Scythe - Hope of a fruitful harvest of things hoped for.
Sickle - Same as Scythe.
Anchor - Succor in extremity and the Christian symbol of hope.
Ship, Lumphiad or Galley - All such symbols would point to some notable expedition by
sea, by which, perhaps, the first bearers had become famous.
Cubes, squares or dice - Constancy, wisdom, verity probity, and equity.
Lozenge - Same as Cubes.
Axe -- Execution of military duty.
Purse - A frank and liberal steward of the blessings that God has bestowed .
Tower or Castle - Grandeur and solidity. Sometimes granted to one who has held one for
his king, or who has captured one by force or stratagem.
Bridge - Signifies a governor or magistrate.
Pillar or Column - Fortitude and constancy.
Snake - Wisdom.
Scaling Ladder - One who was fearless in attacking.
Crosses - Symbolic of some Christian experience or sentiment.
Trestles and stools - Hospitality.
Cushions - Marks of authority.
Angels, Cherubs and Seraphs - Dignity, glory and honor.
Estoiles - Emblems of God’s goodness or of some eminence in the first bearer above the
ruder sort of men.
Mullet - Denotes some Divine quality bestowed from above.
Gold Spur - Dignity of knighthood.
Silver Spur - An esquire.
Sun - Glory and splendor.
Crescent - Signifies one who has been enlightened and honored by the gracious aspect of
his sovereign.
Moon - Serene power over mundane actions.
Fire - Zeal.
Lightning - The effecting of some weighty business with great clarity and force.
Rocks - Safety, refuge and protection.
Portcullis - Effectual protection in emergency.
Hunting Horn - One who is fond of high pursuits.
Trumpet - Ready for the fray.
Cannon, Mortars, Cannon Balls and Grenades - Well bestowed on those who have dared
their terrors in sieges and battles.
Sword - Indicates the bearer to a just and generous pursuit of honor and virtue in warlike
deeds.
Arrows and Arrowheads - Martial readiness.
Spear or Lance - Knightly service and devotion to honor.
Spear Heads or Pheons - Dexterity and nimbleness of wit to penetrate and understand
matters of highest consequence.
Shield - A defender.
Saddles, Stirrups and Spurs - Preparedness for active service.
Horse Shoe - Good luck.
Trunk of a Tree - An object of veneration.
Fusil - Travel and labour.
Shacklebolt - Victory in war.
Water Bougets - Conferred on those who had brought water to an army or besieged place.
Catharine Wheel - Emblem of one who is prepared to undergo great trials for the Christian
faith.
Escarbuncle - Supremacy.
Buckles - Victorious fidelity in authority.
Clarion or Rest - Same as Trumpet.
Beacons or Cressets - One who is watchful for the commonwealth or who gave the signal
in time of danger.
Chains - A reward for acceptable or weighty service.
Fusil of Yarn - Negotiation.
Fret - Persuasion
Gold Roundles - One who has been found worthy of trust and treasure.
White Roundles - Generosity.
Wheel - Fortune.
Cornucopia - Bounty of Nature’s gifts.
Chaplets and Wreaths - Granted for special service.
Colors and Metals
Or, yellow or gold - Generosity.
Argent, white or silver - Peace and sincerity.
Sable or black - Constancy, sometimes grief.
Azure or blue - Loyalty and truth.
Gules or red - Military fortitude and magnanimity.
Vert or green - Hope, joy and sometimes loyalty in love.
Purpure, purple - Royal majesty, sovereignty and justice.
Tenne or tawney - Worthy ambition.
Murray or sanguine - Not hasty in battle, and yet a victor.
Heraldic Lines
Nebulee or Nebuly - The sea or water.
Engrailed and Invected - Earth or land.
Indented - Fire.
Dancette - Water.
Ragulee or Raguly - Difficulties which have been encountered.
Embattled - Fire or the walls of a fortress or town.
Ordinaries
Chief - Dominion and authority.
Cross - Chevron - Protection.
Fess - Military belt or girdle of honor.
Bar - For "one who sets the bar of conscience, religion and honor against angry passions.
Pale - Military strength and fortitude.
Palet - Same as Pale.
Pile - Same as Pale.
Canton - Bearing of honor. When borne charged, it often contains some special symbols
granted by the sovereign in reward for the performance of eminent service.
Quarter - Bearing of honor. Similar to the Canton.
Bend - Defense or protection.
Battune Sinister - Marks a royal descent that is barred by illegitimacy from succession to
the throne.
Orle or Tressure - Preservation or protection.
Flasques - Given by a king for virtue and learning, and especially for service in embassage.
Voiders - Given to gentlewomen who have deserved highly.
Bordure or Border - Frequently adopted as a "difference" between relatives bearing the
same arms.
Gyron - Unity.
Common Charges
Lion - Deathless courage.
Tiger - Great fierceness and valor when enraged to combat; one whose resentment will be
dangerous if aroused.
Bear - Ferocity in the protection of kindred.
Wolf - Denotes valiant captains that do in the end gain their attempts after long sieges and
hard enterprises. One whom it is dangerous to assail or thwart.
Rhinoceros - Great ferocity when aroused.
Elephant - Courage and strength.
Heraldic Tiger - Same as Tiger.
Leopard - Valiant and hardy warrior.
Panther - As a lion may be said to signify a brave man, so may a panther a beautiful
woman, which, though fierce, is very tender and loving to her young, and will defend it
with the hazard of her life.
Horse - Readiness for all employments for king and country.
Bull or Ox - Valor and magnanimity.
Boar - A fierce combatant when at bay, and ceases fighting only with its life, and therefore
may be properly applied as the armorial bearing of a warrior.
Goat - Emblem of that martial man who wins a victory by the employment rather of policy
than valor.
Lamb - Gentleness and patience under suffering.
Ram - Authority.
Hares and Rabbits - One who enjoys a peaceable and retired life.
Squirrel - Sylvan retirement being the delight of its bearer.
Hedgehog - Provident provider.
Beaver - Industry and perseverance.
Fox - One who will use all that he may posses of sagacity, wit or wisdom in his own
defense.
Talbot, Mastiff and Greyhound - Courage, vigilancy and loyal fidelity.
Cat or Cat-A-Mountain - Liberty, vigilance, forecast and courage.
Camel - Docility, patience and indefatigable perseverance.
Bee - Well-governed industry.
Ant - Symbolizes a man of great labor, wisdom and providence.
Spider - Wisdom, labor and providence in all affairs.
Grasshopper - Wisdom and nobility.
House Snail - Deliberation and perseverance.
Double Eagle and Eagle - Signifies a man of action, ever more occupied in high and
weighty affairs, and one of lofty spirit, ingenious, speedy in apprehension and judicious in
matters of ambiguity.
Alerion - Signifies one who having been maimed and lamed in war, was thus prevented
from fully asserting his power.
Wings - Celebrity, sometimes protection or coverture.
Feathers (usually ostrich) - Willing obedience and serenity.
Falcon or Hawk - One eager or hot in the pursuit of an object much desired.
Hawks or Falcons Bells - One who feared not to signal his approach in either peace or
war.
Owl - One who is vigilant and of acute wit.
Peacock - Beauty and pride of carriage.
Pelican - Devoted and self-sacrificing charity.
Stork - Filial duty, emblem of a grateful man.
Swan - A lover of poetry and harmony.
Goose and Duck - A man of many resources.
Gannet - To subsist by the wings of his virtue and merit, having little land to rest upon.
Swallow - One who is prompt and ready in the dispatch of his business.
Cock - Courage, always ready for battle, ready to fight to the death.
Dove - Loving constancy and peace.
Raven - One who, having derived little from his ancestors, has through Providence
become the architect of his own fortunes or one of an enduring constancy of nature.
Crow - Signifies a settled habitation and a quiet life.
Dolphin - Charity and a kind affection towards children.
Tortoise - Invulnerability to attack.
Unicorn - Extreme courage.
Griffin - Sets forth the property of a valorous soldier whose magnanimity is such that he
will dare all dangers, and even death itself, rather than become captive.
Dragon - A most valiant defender of treasure.
Cockatrice - Terror to all beholders.
Sphinx - Omniscience and secrecy.
Pegasus - Exceeding activity and energy of mind whereby one may mount to honour.
Harpy - Ferocity under provocation.
Mermaid - Eloquence.
Centuar - For those who have been eminent in the field.
Hydra - The conquest of a very powerful enemy.
Phoenix - Resurrection.
Stag, Hart, Buck and Deer - Policy, Peace and Harmony.
Horns and Antlers - Strength and Fortitude.
Escallop Shell - One who has made long journeys or voyages to far countries, who had
borne considerable naval command or who had gained great victories.
Other Shells - Protection of Providence.
Heart - Charity, sincerity.
Flaming Heart - Ardent affection.
Hand - Faith, sincerity and justice.
Red Hand - Usual mark for a baronet if borne on a small escutcheon.
Arm - A laborious and industrious person.
Gauntlet - Signify a man armed for the performance of martial enterprise.
Leg - Strength, stability and expedition.
Shoe - Same as Leg.
Foot - Same as leg.
Human Head - Honor.
Blackamoor Head - Deeds of prowess in the Crusades.
Skulls - Mortality.
Crossed Thigh-bones - Mortality.
Eye - Providence in Government.
Millstones - The mutual converse of human society.
Sceptre - Justice.
Trident - Maritime dominion.
Crown - Royal or seigniorial authority.
Celestial Crown - Heavenly reward.
Pastoral Crosier - The emblem of a shepherd’s watchfulness over his flock, and denotes
episcopal jurisdiction and authority.
Annulet or Finger Ring - Fidelity.
Lozenge - Honesty and constancy, also held to be a token of noble birth.
Billets - Their first bearer was a man who obtained credence, knowledge and faith in his
words and deeds, and who was secret in his affairs.
Pen - Emblematic of the liberal art of writing and of learned employments.
Inkhorn - Same as pen.
Harp - Contemplation.
Lyre - Same as harp.
Scythe - Hope of a fruitful harvest of things hoped for.
Sickle - Same as Scythe.
Anchor - Succor in extremity and the Christian symbol of hope.
Ship, Lumphiad or Galley - All such symbols would point to some notable expedition by
sea, by which, perhaps, the first bearers had become famous.
Cubes, squares or dice - Constancy, wisdom, verity probity, and equity.
Lozenge - Same as Cubes.
Axe -- Execution of military duty.
Purse - A frank and liberal steward of the blessings that God has bestowed .
Tower or Castle - Grandeur and solidity. Sometimes granted to one who has held one for
his king, or who has captured one by force or stratagem.
Bridge - Signifies a governor or magistrate.
Pillar or Column - Fortitude and constancy.
Snake - Wisdom.
Scaling Ladder - One who was fearless in attacking.
Crosses - Symbolic of some Christian experience or sentiment.
Trestles and stools - Hospitality.
Cushions - Marks of authority.
Angels, Cherubs and Seraphs - Dignity, glory and honor.
Estoiles - Emblems of God’s goodness or of some eminence in the first bearer above the
ruder sort of men.
Mullet - Denotes some Divine quality bestowed from above.
Gold Spur - Dignity of knighthood.
Silver Spur - An esquire.
Sun - Glory and splendor.
Crescent - Signifies one who has been enlightened and honored by the gracious aspect of
his sovereign.
Moon - Serene power over mundane actions.
Fire - Zeal.
Lightning - The effecting of some weighty business with great clarity and force.
Rocks - Safety, refuge and protection.
Portcullis - Effectual protection in emergency.
Hunting Horn - One who is fond of high pursuits.
Trumpet - Ready for the fray.
Cannon, Mortars, Cannon Balls and Grenades - Well bestowed on those who have dared
their terrors in sieges and battles.
Sword - Indicates the bearer to a just and generous pursuit of honor and virtue in warlike
deeds.
Arrows and Arrowheads - Martial readiness.
Spear or Lance - Knightly service and devotion to honor.
Spear Heads or Pheons - Dexterity and nimbleness of wit to penetrate and understand
matters of highest consequence.
Shield - A defender.
Saddles, Stirrups and Spurs - Preparedness for active service.
Horse Shoe - Good luck.
Trunk of a Tree - An object of veneration.
Fusil - Travel and labour.
Shacklebolt - Victory in war.
Water Bougets - Conferred on those who had brought water to an army or besieged place.
Catharine Wheel - Emblem of one who is prepared to undergo great trials for the Christian
faith.
Escarbuncle - Supremacy.
Buckles - Victorious fidelity in authority.
Clarion or Rest - Same as Trumpet.
Beacons or Cressets - One who is watchful for the commonwealth or who gave the signal
in time of danger.
Chains - A reward for acceptable or weighty service.
Fusil of Yarn - Negotiation.
Fret - Persuasion
Gold Roundles - One who has been found worthy of trust and treasure.
White Roundles - Generosity.
Wheel - Fortune.
Cornucopia - Bounty of Nature’s gifts.
Chaplets and Wreaths - Granted for special service.
RESOURCE & GUIDE LINKS
The Guiding Principles of Flag Design - North American Vexillological Association
