American State Flags

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What is the purpose of a State Flag?

​A flag can be seen as a symbol or an icon for whatever it represents. Like how a flag represents a country, a basketball team, or your school's math club, it gives viewers a glimpse of what it stands for. A flag is likewise an identity of a nation to the rest of the world. A state's flag becomes part of a state's identity. The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes. That's why countries should (and why most do) stick to a simple pattern and a simple color scheme, and why they save the fancy things for money and other material possessions that people can hold in their hands. That's why, for example, a Canadian flag has two bright colors with a large, simple leaf pattern in the middle, while a Canadian five dollar bill has iridescent maple leaves, a hidden number, a fine engraving of Sir Wilfrid Laurier on the front, and, of course, an equally fine engraving of kids playing hockey on the back.

In the USA, state flags are just one way for states to differentiate themselves from the other states around them. Because American state flags tend to be full of symbolism and meaning, people can learn a lot from studying them and researching all of their different parts. Among the states in the USA, thirteen of them use historical images in their state flags. Some use their state seals, and others embrace their Native American heritage, such as Oklahoma. USA flags and state flags don't just look nice, they also teach important lessons about gratitude, honor and symbols. Each part in a state flag's design has a its meaning and representation, and that the parts bring the entire design together as a whole. In the language of colors, when red is used in a flag it usually symbolizes power or courage, white means purity, and a star shape would mean sovereignty. Using such colors in a flag would represent its holder's values and beliefs, making it an important symbol for the state's people.

Why are State Flags needed?

A state flag was originally conceptualized whenever a state were admitted into the Union many years ago. It was then that these states' flags were thought out and drafted. Having a flag for each state gives them something that's designed and made for them, and which makes them unique among all the other states in the Union. Take for example the Texas state flag. The following symbolism is represented on the flag: the color blue stands for loyalty, the color white for purity, and the color red for bravery, and that the single (lone) star "represents ALL of Texas and stands for our unity as one for God, State, and Country." As for the state of California, they use an animal in their flag design - particularly the grizzly bear. The Bear Flag is the official flag of the state of California, and their flag contains a single red star, a red stripe along the bottom, and a California grizzly bear. Although the California grizzly has been extinct for quite some time now, it was used in the state flag design because it was once common in the state. The bear in the flag symbolizes strength.

What are the common rules surrounding State Flags?

​When displaying the state flags, normally they are displayed in order of admittance of the State to the Union. However, they may also be displayed in alphabetical order using the English alphabet. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal sized. When flags of states, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.

Since the state flag is the state's iconic symbol, of course there are rules on how to display and handle it. These rules may vary from state to state but here are the most common (and obvious) rules for the flags. One of the most common rule would be that the state flag should never be used for advertising purposes. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown. Even the national flag of the USA isn't used for advertising purposes. Using the flag for advertising loses its integrity and it shows that you're trampling on the pride of those who love their country and their American state. Like the American national flag, state flags ought to not touch the ground. They should always be carried and transported with care.

Aside from proper display of the flags, there are also rules in how to handle them properly. Proper handling includes storage and cleaning of your flags. Depending on the material of the flag you have, cleaning and washing would be different. Cleaning would usually range from just using water, to using some sort of detergent. Note however that if your state flag has a printed design it is not advisable to soak it in detergent when you wash it. Soaking the flag would risk the flag colors fading or make them less vibrant. For example, there are flags made of nylon and polyester. These flag types are more expensive but also usually more durable and long-lasting as the materials used are made for outdoor use. Flags of these types of materials would usually last longer than cotton ones. Polyester and nylon flags are usually made for all types of weather. Flag storage and care also varies depending on the type of material your state flag is made of. Some materials are more sensitive to heat or cold, and storing them properly will ensure that your state flags last longer for months or even years when not used frequently.