A history of flags

Heritage

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Flag historian, Doug Johnson, (L) explains the meaning of the Irish flag

Yesterday, March 17th, was the traditional St. Patrick's Day and, flag historian, Doug Johnson, took the opportunity to explain not only the flag of Ireland but also four others at the meeting of the Propeller Club in Southampton .

"Most people don't understand the significance behind flags," says Johnson.  "For instance, the flag of Ireland flown today was actually inspired by the tricolour of the French Revolution and was first used by Irish Nationalists in 1830 as an unofficial symbol in the struggle for freedom from Britain."

He went on to explain that it only became the official flag of Ireland in 1922, after independence.  "Colours on a flag are very important.  The green represents the fertile countryside and the Catholic people; the orange stands for the Ulster Protestants and the white is the desire for peace between the two."

St. Patrick's Cross

St. Patrick's Cross has been used by the island of Jersey for well over a century.  Jersey is one of the four Channel Islands in the English Channel and each them flies a different flag.  Jersey's flag is till unsanctioned. 

Flag of the United Kingdom

"Although commonly recognized as the 'Union Jack', the United Kingdom in fact has no official flag that can be used by private citizens," Johnson explains.  "What most people recognize as the 'Union Jack', is really a royal flag that can be flown by private citizens, but only on land.  The term 'Union Jack' is incorrect since a jack is for use only at a ship's prow and the correct name is the 'Union Flag'.

According to Johnson, the 'Union Flag' is actually a combination of flags that represent the main parts of the United Kingdom, except Wales.  When James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603, he ordered the design of the flag that incorporated the red St. George's cross of England, outlined in white, with the St. Andrew's saltire of Scotland as its field. 

Then, in 1801, St. Patrick's Cross was incorporated into the flag with Scotland's saltire taking precedence.

Doug Johnson points out how some flags can bear a combination of symbols including a flag and coat of arms

The Anglican Flag in Canada incorporates the Cross of St. George and the maple leaf

Today, Johnson still maintains the flag that flies at St. Paul's Anglican Church, raising and lowering it each Sunday. 

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Friday, March 19, 2010