Flag of Bermuda - Description of the Bermudan Flag
As the above picture of the Bermuda Flag indicates the overall background is Red
According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the Bermudan flag represent the following:
White - peace and honesty
Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour
Blue - vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice
The basic style shown in the picture of the Bermuda flag is described as Emblem - reflecting the central design of the flag pattern
All Flag pictures depict flags flying, from the viewer's point of view, from left to right
The shape and flag ratio of the Bermuda flag is described as 1:2 ( length twice the height )
The emblem on the Bermuda flag pictures the Bermudian coat of arms
The Meaning & History of the Bermuda Flag - The Bermuda emblem depicts the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609 centered on the fly half of the flag
Flag Terminology - Did you Know ?
The design and description uses specific flag terminology based on Heraldic principles
Animal blazons should always appear with the heads facing the flag - staff side
The Study of the Flags is called Vexillology
Your interest in flags makes you a Vexillologist!
Increase your knowledge - Play the Flag Quiz
Flag History & Evolution:
The idea of flying a flag grew from the requirements of ancient warfare and the battlefield
Shields were painted with emblems to identify Friend or Foe
Warriors needed to know where their leaders were - the custom of carrying a pole was adopted
An emblem such as a shield, animal or religious device was attached to the pole for identification
The emblems were also used for identity and to cover suits of armour - Coats of Arms were born
These emblems were the forerunners of modern flags
The Romans were the first to use a cloth flag - they were square and fastened to cross bars at the end of spears - the idea of fastening a flag to the side of a pole soon followed
The strict rules of Heraldry are still used when designing an emblem and creating a modern flag
Bermuda Flag Etiquette
Bermuda Flag etiquette is very strict and is is essential that Flag protocols and rules are followed correctly
Basic Flag Etiquette applies to all nations, including Bermuda as follows:
Etiquette relating to the order of precedence for the flag
National Flag of Bermuda
State Flag of Bermuda
Military Flag of Bermuda (in order of creation date)
Other Flag of Bermuda
The United Nations uses alphabetical order when presenting a national flag including the Bermuda Flag. Their flag etiquette ensures that no one country's flag has precedence over another country's flag
The National flag of Bermuda should never be flown above another national flag on the same staff as this would suggest superiority, or conversely, inferiority of one flag, or Nation, over another
The Bermuda flag should never be allowed to drag along the ground
A tattered or faded flag of Bermuda should be removed and replaced with a new flag
Due care and consideration must be taken to ensure that the Bermuda flag is always flown the correct way up
A Flag of Bermuda, when in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning in private with all due care and respect
Terminology & Etiquette in Bermuda Flag display
Hoist - the act or function of raising the Bermuda flag, as on a rope
Half Staff or Half Mast - the Bermuda flag is hoisted to half of the potential height of the flag pole to denote grief and mourning
Performed by first raising the Bermuda flag to the top, then lowering the Bermuda Flag halfway
Distress - denoted by flying the Bermuda flag upside-down
Manner of hoisting - The Bermuda flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously
No disrespect should be shown to the Bermuda flag
The Bermuda flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit the Flag to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way
The Bermuda flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing on the flag of any nature
The Bermuda flag should be hoisted first and lowered last
International Flag relating to Bermuda Flag usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace
We hope that the presentation of facts and information regarding Bermuda Flag Etiquette has provided a useful resource.
Bermuda
Location:
North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US)
Land Size of Bermuda : 53.3 sq km
Population of Bermuda : 64,935 (July 2004 est.)
Climate : subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter
Capital City of Bermuda : Hamilton
GDP of Bermuda : $2.33 billion (2003 est.)
Main Industries : tourism, international business, light manufacturing
Was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia
Tourism to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times
Tourism continues to be important to the island's economy
Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center
A referendum on independence was defeated in 1995
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The Flag and Nation of Bermuda
We hope that the presentation of facts and information regarding the Flag and Country of Bermuda has provided a useful educational resource. To improve your knowledge of Flags and Vexillology still further check out the Flags and Nations Index and test your knowledge with our interactive, multi-choice, picture-based Flag Trivia Quiz Game - it's fast and it's fun! If you answer all questions correctly you will earn the right to enter the Vexillologist Hall of Fame!
