The first known flags were those used around 3,000 B.C. in Ancient Greece and Egypt. They were called vexilloids. Today we call vexillology the study of flags. These first flags were carvings on top of metal or wooden poles. It wasn’t until 2,000 years ago that the idea to use material with a design on top of the pole was introduced. Flags are used to give a message, represent your organization, and celebrate events.
While types and colors of flags vary by country and organization, there are some universal rules for properly displaying flags. It is customary to only display the flag from sunrise to sundown. When flying a flag at half-mast, it should first be taken all the way to the top, and then slowly lowered to half-mast. This is usually done to represent a time of mourning, a death, war, or other similar issue. Flags in the United States were at half-mast after the terrorist attacks of 09/11.
On January 1, 1776, the Continental Army came under the control of George Washington. In May of that year, Betsy Ross sewed the first American Flag, consisting of 13 stripes, alternating in colors of red and white. George Washington had it hoisted at Prospect Hill. She was a struggling seamstress who knew George and Martha Washington from Church. George Washington showed her the layout, which included stars with 6 points. She cut out a star with 5 points, and George Washington is said to have liked it and went with the design.
Each of the 50 states that make up the United States has their own state flag. While they are all united under the American Flag, the individual flags represent their own ideals as well as freedom and individual rights. Every state also has a song, state bird, and state flower. Each state flag has a unique design.
Flags have been used for various reasons for over 4,000 years. Wooden poles were hand carved to display the flag on. The poles were later made of metal. A decoration is sometimes added to the tip of a flag pole, called a finial.