Aboriginal Flag

Aboriginal Flag - Description
The Aboriginal Flag is described as:

• The background of the Aboriginal flag is divided in half horizontally into two equal bands

• The color of the top band is black whereas the color of the bottom band is red

• A yellow circular disc is superimposed over the centre of the flag

Aboriginal Flag - Color Symbolism
According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions there is a vast amount of symbolism associated with the color of a nations flag. The full development of heraldry in about 1200AD also brought sophisticated design of flags, some of which includes a Coat of Arms. The colors in the Aboriginal flag symbolize the following:

• Black symbolises the Aboriginal people of Australia

• Red symbolizes the red earth, the red ochre and a spiritual relation to the land

• Yellow  symbolises the Sun, the giver of life and protector

Did you know.....

• A Yellow flag is the quarantine flag of all nations; also carried at a vessel's fore, to denote that an infectious
  disease is on board

• White flag - A white flag is a sign of truce and is carried or displayed to an enemy, as an invitation to conference, or for the purpose of making some communication not hostile

• National flag - A flag of a particular country, on which some national emblem or device, is emblazoned

• Red flag - A red flag is displayed as a signal of danger or token of defiance; the emblem of anarchists

Aboriginal Flag - Meaning
The study of flags is called Vexillology and comes from the Latin word vexillum ("flag") and the Greek suffix -logy ("study"). The word "flag" is derived from the old Saxon word "fflaken" which means to fly or to float in the air. The idea of flying a flag grew from the requirements of ancient warfare and the battlefield. Shields were painted with emblems or symbols to identify friend or enemy. Warriors needed to know where their leaders were hence the custom of carrying a pole was adopted and subsequently the idea of flags began! Flags and banners were even mentioned in the bible, the following quote is from the bible book entitled Song of Solomons, (6:10):  "Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners."

Aboriginal Flag - Information The Aboriginal Flag represents the Indigenous people of Australia It is an official flag of Australia, and as such holds special legal and political status, it is not however the national flag of Australia The Aboriginal flag was designed in 1971 by Aboriginal artist Harold Thomas, who is descended from the Luritja people The Aboriginal flag was first flown in Victoria Square, Adelaide on on National Aborigines' Day 12th July 1971 Many Australian buildings fly both the National flag of Australia and the Aboriginal flag

Dream Definition - Aboriginal Flag
Seeing your national flag in your dream means peace and/or prosperity. Seeing a flag of a foreign nation indicates a breach of trust between friends.

Aboriginal Flag - Definition
A flag is defined as a symbol or emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design. Flags are also often used as a signalling device and method of communication. Government buildings are often decorated with flags. A cloth usually bearing a device or devices and used to indicate nationality, party, etc., or to give or ask information; commonly attached to a staff to be waved by the wind; a standard; a banner; an ensign; the colors; as, the national flag; a military or a naval flag.

Aboriginal Flag - Facts All Flag pictures show flags flying, from the viewer's point of view, from left to right The Study of the Flags is known as Vexillology The upper left quarter of the flag is known as the Canton A Flag share is the flag officer's share of prize money People with an interest in flags are called Vexillologists 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 shape and flag ratio of the Aboriginal Flag is 2:3 (length 1½ times the height)

• To dip the flag is the process of lowering and quickly restore it to its place is often done as a mark of respect

• The idea of flying a flag came from the requirements of ancient warfare in the battlefield

• When presenting a nations flag, the United Nations uses alphabetical order, this includes the Aboriginal Flag. Their flag etiquette ensures that no one country's flag has precedence over another country's flag

• The Aboriginal Flag should never be allowed to drag along the ground

• A tattered or faded Aboriginal Flag should be removed and replaced with a new Aboriginal Flag

• The Aboriginal Flag should always be flown the correct way up, it is vital that due care and consideration is taken to ensure this

Displaying the Aboriginal Flag - Did you know?

• The act or function of raising the Aboriginal Flag, as on a rope is referred to as hoisting

• To denote grief and mourning, the Aboriginal Flag is hoisted to half of the potential height of the flag pole , this is called flying the flag at Half Staff or Half Mast and is carried out by firstly raising the Aboriginal Flag to the top, then lowering the Aboriginal Flag halfway

• To show distress the Aboriginal Flag is flown upside-down

• Always hoist the Aboriginal Flag briskly and lower the Aboriginal Flag ceremoniously

• No disrespect should be shown to the Aboriginal Flag flag

• The Aboriginal Flag should never be displayed, used, fastened or kept in such a way as to allow the Flag to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way

• The Aboriginal 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

• To strike, or lower the Aboriginal Flag is the process of hauling it down. It is a token of respect, submission, or, in an engagement, of surrender

• To hang out a white flag is a method of asking for a truce or quarter, or, in some cases, to manifest a friendly design by exhibiting a white flag

 

Aboriginal Flag