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
"Around the World in 80
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In just a short period of time this
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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!
