The flag of the country, along with other state symbols, is a characteristic sign of the state, which distinguishes it from other countries. As a rule, the state flag has a rectangular shape, less often a square one and is colored according to the law of the country. The colors and emblems on the flag are symbolic. They can reflect the historical development of the country, or they are created specifically for the flag and reflect the current trends in the development of the state.

The flag is made in the form of a rectangle, and it is made in standard proportions. The width and length of the canvas have a ratio of 2:3. These indicators are enshrined in the Constitution of the state. The flag of Indonesia combines two identical parts:

• the top is painted bright red;
• the bottom is white.

What is the meaning of the Indonesian flag?

It has several names:

1. Sang Saka Merah-Putih - Sacred white-red.
2. Bendera Merah-Putih, which translates to Red and White Flag.
3. The simplest name for Merah-Putih is Red-White.

The colors of the Indonesian flag are endowed with certain symbols. The red color symbolizes human blood and everything in nature that is connected with the body. White color conveys non-carnal matters, it is the embodiment of everything spiritual. The combination of red and white colors on the flag indicates that the body and spirit are inseparable. Putting these colors together is a sign of the ideal. Local residents are sure that their state symbol is one of the most ancient in the world.

The history of the flag

The entire period of the existence of the country of Indonesia, red and white colors were special for Indonesians. If you combine palm sugar (it has a red tint) and rice (it is white), then together you get the colors of national symbols. These two products, rice and palm sugar, are the basis of Indonesian cuisine.

On the island of Java, a ritual dish was once prepared from these components. It was rice porridge with palm sugar syrup. With such food, the onset of the second trimester of pregnancy was noted. The Javanese believe that the red color is the personification of the mother, the white color is the father, and when they are combined, new life appears.

The national flag of Indonesia in its modern form was adopted in 1945, along with the country's independence. But its history is much longer.

For the first time, the use of the Indonesian red and white bicolor is known already in the 14th century by the Majapahit state, which over the centuries has transformed into modern Indonesia. Majapahit was once a very developed power, and Indonesia considers its flag to be its relic.

The flag of Majapahit consisted of 9 horizontal stripes: 5 red and 4 white alternately. It was somewhat simplified and taken as the basis of the Indonesian flag; after the declaration of independence, the red and white flag became a national symbol.

At various times in Indonesia's struggle for independence, this country raised a red and white flag, marking it as its state mark.

Another historical legend

But there is another version of why the flag of Indonesia has such a color. Some researchers attribute the choice of colors to the red-white-blue flag of Holland. During the liberation of Indonesia from the yoke of the Netherlands, the blue part of the Dutch flag was symbolically torn off as a symbol of getting rid of the "blue blood" of the Dutch aristocrats. But even if such a fact is real, it is rather a symbolic continuation of the centuries-old chain of formation of the state red and white flag.

Similarity to the flag of Monaco

As already mentioned, the flag with a combination of red and white colors was officially proclaimed in Indonesia in 1945. But 64 years earlier, in 1881, a national flag with the same colors was approved in Monaco. The fact that the state sign of the flag is identical to the flag of Monaco caused dissatisfaction with the Monegasque rulers, they even expressed an official protest. But the Indonesians were able to prove its more ancient history and defended their right to call the red and white flag the state symbol.

Visually, the flag of Indonesia and Monaco seem identical, but there are differences between them. The ratio of the length and width of the flag of Monaco is 5:4, the flag of Indonesia is 5:3. Although the flags of these countries are similar, both of them have the right to exist.

In conclusion, I would like to recall that there are several more flags in the world that have similarities with the flag of Indonesia:

• the flag of Singapore is distinguished by 5 stars and a crescent;
• The flag of Poland differs in the arrangement of colors - white on top, red on the bottom.

But this does not prevent the Indonesian state symbol from being original and unique.

Coats of arms and flags have similar functions, but there are serious differences between these heraldic symbols. The Flag Factory company produces both, but when placing an order, it is important to clearly understand how they differ from each other.

Detailed information about this can be obtained from the specialists of the Flag Factory. Here we will talk not only about the form, but also about the content of heraldic symbols, as well as their main purpose. What is the difference between a coat of arms and a flag, you can also learn from this article.

Purpose

Flags define belonging to a certain community. However, the coat of arms is more informative here. It not only indicates belonging, but also tells about who it belongs to. Therefore, the coats of arms, as a rule, depict rather complex drawings-symbols. many people who are fond of heraldry devote their whole lives to their study.

Coat of arms- a solemn symbol. Flag- more down to earth. From ancient times, cloths had a purely practical function of informing. With their help, the commanders gave orders to their armies. That is why it initially turned out that the flag is less detailed than the coat of arms, since it should be visible from afar.

Appearance

In connection with the specific purpose, they differ purely externally. The flag is a must. The coat of arms can be placed on any medium - fabric, metal, wood, etc. Flag Factory, for example, offers velvet fabrication on a wooden frame.

Thus, the flag is a thing (a cloth of a certain color), and the coat of arms is a symbol (that is, the drawing itself, which can be applied to any base). It can also be depicted on the flag. This is especially true for the flags of various municipalities.

Coats of arms and logos

Often, company executives believe that the coat of arms and logo are one and the same. In fact, there are a lot of differences between these images. The main one is that the first one is drawn not only in accordance with the wishes of its future owner, but also according to the established heraldic rules. By following these rules, it becomes not just a beautiful drawing, but a clear message that can be deciphered, knowing the purpose of heraldic symbols.

In principle, a coat of arms drawn up according to all laws can become a logo, but a logo is not a coat of arms. These elements differ in their purpose. The function of the logo is rather commercial, while the coat of arms is more symbolic.

Vladimir Vysotsky and Robert Rozhdestvensky wrote poems about him, the loss of this attribute was a shame, and the person who lost it was punished by death. All this is about the banner. Seemingly common today, it once played an important role in the life of society, especially during wars. However, today many people forget what the word "banner" means, confusing it with a flag. Meanwhile, these concepts, although related, have a different etymology and essence.

The word "banner": meaning

A banner is a piece of fabric with an image, inscription or emblem on its two sides. The banner is attached to a special staff. Initially, it was used during battles, as a pointer to soldiers, for a gathering place. In the old days, the banner was also called flag, ensign or banner.

Banner and Flag: What's the Difference?

Without knowing for sure what a banner is, people sometimes confuse it with a flag. However, the two terms have clear differences.

5. The design of the flag is usually uncomplicated, in the old days it was sewn from several pieces of fabric, today it is simply printed. The banner was always made of expensive fabrics, decorated with embroidery and fringe.

The special science of vexillology (from the Latin name of the banner vexillum) is engaged in the study of banners and flags. Vexillologists are studying questions about what a banner, flag is, what are their subspecies. In addition, they explore the evolution of these objects and people's ideas about them at different times.

Banner, banner, pennant, standard and ensign

Knowing what a banner is, it would be useful to familiarize yourself with the meaning of such related words as banner, banner, standard, pennant and ensign.

The banner is the ancient name for the banner. Most of the banners were so long that they had to be carried separately on a cart, following the army.

A banner is a type of banner, which usually depicts Jesus Christ or the saints who patronize the army. This type of banner was hung vertically.

Pennant - a tiny flag of a triangular shape (sometimes rectangular), with which knights adorned the top of the spear in the Middle Ages.

A standard is a military symbol attached to a pole, similar to a banner, but smaller. Used in the Middle Ages. Most often, lions, griffins and other heraldic animals were depicted on the standards.

Prapor - a small banner with long tails. Personal badge of a nobleman. In Europe it was called a standard.

The origin of the words "banner" and "flag", as well as their synonyms

Having dealt with what a banner is and how it differs from a flag, it will be interesting to find out where these words came from.

The word "banner" comes from the Old Russian verb "to know" (meaning "to distinguish, notice"). The words “sign” and “sign” that arose in the same period were also of the same root to it. The name itself says that banner means a distinguishing mark.

But the word "flag" came into the Russian language thanks to Peter I, a passion as he loved everything overseas. At the end of the 17th century, at his behest, the word "flag" (from the Latin flagrum - "lash") began to be actively used by the military and sailors.

The notorious word "banner" originated from pull together(to someone). But “prapor” came from the Old Slavonic word “poropor”, denoting something light, weightless. By the way, the words “pen” and “soar” also came from the lexeme “poropor”. It is noteworthy that at first the carriers of ensigns were called ensigns, and only much later the word became the name of the officer rank.

What is included in the banner complex

If in the old days the banner was just a richly embroidered piece of fabric, now a whole banner complex has been created for it. It consists of:

1. Directly the banner itself, consisting of two pieces of fabric sewn together.
2. Reserve - a part of the banner on which there is no image. It's just a piece of fabric meant to be wrapped around a shaft.
3. A wooden pole to which the banner is attached using specialized banner nails. At the bottom, the shaft is inserted into a special metal inlet.
4. At the top of the shaft, as a rule, a pommel in the form of an arrow or a ball is placed. Tassels, ribbons or other decorative elements are attached to the top.
5. A bracket is a metal plate (or ring) located on a staff just below the banner.
6. Protective cover for the banner.
7. A special baldric on which the standard-bearer carries the banner. Usually tied on the shoulder.

banner ranks

There is also an obsolete concept today - "banner ranks". Previously, the infantrymen of the lower ranks, located near the banner, were called so. Their function was to protect the symbol in battle.

Today, for an ordinary person, a banner and a flag are just a beautiful tradition and a sign of belonging to a team, unit, or one or another state. However, for people participating in hostilities, both the flags and banners of their native country are sacred, as well as for their ancestors.

Flagpole (German Flagge - flag + Stock - stick) - a metal, wooden or plastic vertical stand (rod, rod, pole) on which the flag is raised.

Sometimes the flagpole is equipped with a mechanism for more convenient raising of the flag. In this case, the flag is attached to the rope and, with the help of a simple block, rises to the top point of the flagpole, while the hoist himself is relieved of the need to climb up. Perhaps you are also interested flagpoles street rent.

What is a pennant?

Banner (Old Russian - banner, banner, ensign) - a piece of matter attached to a staff, which has some kind of emblematic image on top. All peoples have had banners since ancient times. It is understood that at first the banner in the troops was intended to serve as an indication of the gathering place in battle; however, this meaning of the banner was lost over time, its meaning remained as a sign expressing the idea of ​​​​unity and linking the soldiers into one. When the war began, the men stood "under the banner" and took an oath of allegiance to their own country. To be a standard-bearer in battle was considered very noble, and to capture the enemy's banner meant to accomplish a real feat. And in that case, the banner ended up in the hands of the enemy, shame fell on the whole army.

Etymology

In Ancient Russia, the verb "nobility", from which the word "banner" is derived, among other meanings, also had the following - "distinguish", "notice", and the noun banner formed from it meant "distinctive sign". It is necessary to emphasize the relationship of this verb to know with the English know and the German kennen ("to know"), connected in turn with the Greek gnosis - "knowledge", which is found in similar philosophical definitions as epistemology or agnosticism. The phonetic features of languages ​​determined that verbs ascending to a common root sound differently.

In all periods in different countries and lands there were certain signs and signs, with the help of which people communicated together, demonstrated which tribe or people they belong to. One such symbol is the flag. From ancient times to the present day, it is considered the emblem of an independent country or people. No wonder the raising of the municipal flag is the first festive ceremony after the proclamation of a new country.

The flag has always symbolized national honor. The municipal flag as a shrine is given the highest municipal honors. His dignity is protected inside and outside the country, his insult is considered as an insult to the honor of the country and civilization.

What is the difference between a flag and a banner?

Specialists distinguish between these concepts. A banner is a cloth on which emblems or inscriptions are drawn, written or embroidered. It attaches directly to the wood. Each banner is unique: it is made only in a single copy.

Flags, on the contrary, are a common product. They are created in large quantities, so that if necessary, change exactly the same. The cloth of the flag is usually quadrangular, less often triangular, in most cases multi-colored. It may also display the municipal coat of arms or the badge of an organization.

Flags are attached both to the pole and to the cord - in this case, it is possible to raise them on flagpoles. There are also such varieties of flags as standards, pennants and banners.

Standards in the Middle Ages were called banner-like military signs attached to the poles, often crowned with heraldic images of animals. right up to the 20th century. standards were kept in cavalry formations. For example, in the army of royal Russia, this was the name of the regimental banner in the cavalry. In addition, the standards are the "official" flags of the heads of state.

Pennants are small rectangular or triangular flags that decorated knightly spears in the past. Now they are used mainly in the navy to give signals and commands.

Read also:

Slovakia, as a country that is part of the European Union, provides an opportunity to get a world-class higher education for every foreign student. The Bologna system of education has been introduced in educational institutions, which makes education of high quality and promising, meeting all European standards. Knowing the state language, you can study at state universities for free, and the cost of tuition...

If men in red socks are increasingly seen on the covers of glossy magazines and in real life, then it's time to change the trend. Down with boring black and gray colors! Long live fresh colors and bright accents. Moreover, in the modern world it is so easy to choose fashionable things. It is enough to look into the officially approved lists of shades that are relevant this year and buy a few ...

Royal friends of Prince Harry and Megan, after moving to Canada, they dismissed the entire staff of their British residence, they also formed the staff of their headquarters. As seen in the Daily Mail, the Dukes of Sussex have closed their office in Britain, which is considered a sign that the stench is not going to turn back to London. "Meghan's care solution...

We are glad to welcome you to the portal dedicated to France and all its traditions and sights. Here you can find out all the necessary information about this country and plan your trip.

We pay great attention to various cities of France. Do not think that France is just Paris and the Cote d'Azur. There are many wonderful industrial, agricultural and historical cities. Each of them has its own history and monuments of medieval architecture.

In a special section you can find information about the royal castles of the Loire Valley. Here are descriptions of various castles, which within their walls keep living evidence of the centuries-old history of the kings and nobles of this country.

Information is provided for those who want to independently plan their vacation in the magnificent resorts of France. In this country, they are divided into three main zones:

• alpine ski resorts;
• Azure coast;
• coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Each zone has its own advantages and disadvantages. We will help you choose the best place to stay, and you will not have to overpay for a tour in an agency. Information is also provided for those wishing to emigrate to this country for the purpose of obtaining an education or finding a suitable job. We will tell you about all the intricacies of French education. We hope that with the help of our information you will be able to find the right job for you in France.

What is the connection between Russia and France

There has always been a close relationship between Russia and France. Our countries are connected with each other not only by cultural and historical traditions. There is a common mentality and tradition between us. It is not for nothing that in Tsarist Russia the majority of the nobility spoke French and strove to comply with the latest trends in French fashion.

many Russian artists, playwrights and writers lived and worked on the territory of France at different times. Here, at the balneological resorts, the Russian nobility rested. In many places in France, you can find echoes of Russian culture. Even the traditional cuisine of France echoes the culinary traditions of Russia.

Currently, France and Russia are interconnected by close economic ties. We export natural resources to this country. The French supply us with perfumes, cosmetics, consumer goods, cars and much more. Days of France in Russia and Days of Russia in France are regularly held.

The French always welcome Russians as guests. Here they are tolerant towards the citizens of our country. They have no difficulty in getting a job or in the process of undergoing training.

French flag and Russian flag

Continuing the story about the relationship between France and Russia, it is worth mentioning the national flags of our countries. Traditionally, these are tricolors, including red, blue and white. The flag of France differs from the Russian one only in the arrangement of the stripes.

The history of the French flag and its symbols will soon be revealed in a special material on our website.

What attracts tourists to France

There are many things that attract tourists to modern France. The most attractive conditions for recreation and entertainment have been created here. Numerous cultural amusement parks operate. Hotels offer the most exquisite level of service.

Numerous museums and exhibitions open their doors to tourists every day. Forts, outposts and castles are constantly available to visitors. Specialized excursions and theme parks help to study the history of this country.

Attractive French cuisine and noble wines from the provinces of Bordeaux and Provence. For cheese lovers, this is a real paradise. No less refined and world-famous festivals and carnivals. Everyone knows the Cannes Film Festival.

Where is the French Embassy in Russia

You will need a visa to visit France. To do this, you need to visit the French Embassy in Moscow or the French visa center.

The French Embassy in Moscow is located on B. Yakimanka Street, 45. Reception is held at the set hours. There you can get prompt advice on all issues related to your trip to France.