STRUCTURAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE FLAG-BANNER SYSTEM: MAIN FEATURES, DIFFERENCES OF THE FLAG FROM THE BANNER

КОНСТРУКЦИОННОЕ ПОСТРОЕНИЕ ФЛАГОВО-ЗНАМЕННОЙ СИСТЕМЫ: ОСНОВНЫЕ ПРИЗНАКИ, ОТЛИЧИЯ ФЛАГА ОТ ЗНАМЕНИ

Колин Павел Сергеевич

студент, историко-филологический факультет, Белгородский государственный национальный исследовательский университет,

РФ, г. Белгород

Кулабухов Владимир Семёнович

научный руководитель, канд. ист. наук, доц., Белгородский государственный национальный исследовательский университет,

РФ, г. Белгород

ABSTRACT

This article discusses the main features of constructing a flag-banner system, as well as the main differences between a banner and a flag. Today, both of these objects have their own characteristics that not everyone can name, as well as their own specific symbols that carry a hidden meaning that the creators of this or that banner or flag wanted to put into it, but both of these objects have their own unique characteristics.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В данной статье рассматриваются основные признаки построения флаговознаменной системы, а также главные отличия знамени от флага. На сегодняшний день оба данных предмета обладают своими особенностями, которые не каждый может назвать, а также своими определенными символами, несущими скрытый смысл, которые хотели вложить в него создатели того или иного знамени или флага, однако оба данных предмета обладают своими уникальными признаками.

Keywords: banner, flag, flag-banner system, flag structure, vexillum, banner structure, flag and banner symbolism, vexillology, flag studies, banner studies.

Ключевые слова: знамя, флаг, флагово-знаменная система, структура флага, вексиллум, структура знамени, символика флага и знамени, вексиллология, флаговедение, знаменоведение.

This topic is highly relevant in the context of research on the history of various states, as the first distinctive signs appeared as far back as the Roman Empire and were called vexillums — symbols of Roman legions. Additionally, this topic is pertinent because vexillology is a rapidly developing discipline that emerged relatively recently. Flags and banners are symbols that unite entire nations. Yet, not everyone can clearly identify all the features of constructing a flag-banner system.

The main goal of this article is to provide a clear characterization of flags and banners, defining their key features and differences.

For this work, a diverse range of sources was used: constitutional articles, laws, decrees, and chronicles.

Numerous works have been written on this subject. They discuss the flags and banners of our country as well as those of foreign nations. These studies highlight the main features of the flag-banner system, their similarities and differences, and the history of the emergence of flags and banners as such. Among domestic authors on this topic, the following stand out: V.V. Pokhlebkin [4], V.S. Puronen [5], and G.V. Vilinbakhov [1].

The research adheres to the fundamental principles of historicism, objectivity, and scientific impartiality. The primary methods employed are comparative-historical and systemic.

The science that studies flags and banners is called vexillology (from the Latin word "vexillum" — banner). As a discipline, it originated from heraldry, the science that studies the structure and symbolism of coats of arms. The term "vexillology" was proposed by the American scholar Whitney Smith in 1958. It was in the United States that this science gained further development [3, p. 9].

To understand the distinctive features and differences between flags and banners, it is worth delving into the etymology of these words. It is claimed that the word "banner" derives from the words «signs» and «mark» [9, с. 16]. There is also a version that "banners" comes from the word «to know», meaning to distinguish or notice [2, p. 271]. In any case, the meaning of the word "banner" is the same — it is a distinctive sign symbolizing unity.

The word "flag" originates from the Dutch language. "Flag" refers to a piece of fabric attached to a pole or cord, varying in shape with a specific aspect ratio. Flags can be monochromatic or multicolored, bearing emblems of various associations, coats of arms, or organizations. Thus, the meaning of the word "flag" is a piece of fabric with a specific symbol, attached to a pole or cord.

The first "banners" were combat insignia made not of fabric but of metal and horsehair mounted on tall spears. Banners also include objects that symbolically represent them. For example, these could be various symbols of power: orbs, scepters, and rods [4, p. 5].

The main structural features of a modern banner include the presence of a front and back side, sewn together from two pieces of heavy, dense fabric. A banner always has fringe of gold or silver color, inscriptions that may serve as slogans or mottos on one side of the fabric, and on the other side, the name of the organization to which the banner belongs, along with a portrait or other distinctive emblem. The color palette on the banner must always match the colors of the national flag. The banner itself must be stored in a designated place, in a case. Only selected individuals — the standard-bearer and their assistants—are allowed to handle the banner. The banner is the "face" of the organization it represents, and it must "bear" all insignia, so badges or inscriptions may be sewn onto it. The final feature of a banner is its deep symbolic significance; losing a banner is equivalent to disgrace and loss of honor, while saving a banner is considered a highly commendable and respected act.

The main components of a banner include the fabric itself, attached to a pole with special banner nails. The pole is made of wood or metal, and its top is adorned with a finial shaped like a spear, cross, or some symbolic sign—an animal, bird, or hammer and sickle. Cords with tassels and award ribbons are attached to the finial. The lower end of the pole is made of metal and is called the ferrule.

The fabric of the banner can be divided into several parts. The part closest to the pole is called the hoist, while the farthest part is called the fly. The edges can also be distinguished: the top, bottom, and fly edges, as well as the four corners, which are the fields between the ends of the cross (the center of the banner), aligning with the corners of the fabric. The upper left part is called the canton or union. It bears inscriptions or emblems of the organization or institution [3, p. 9].

The border, flames, and fringe are components that differ in color from the main fabric. The fringe is a woven decoration sewn along the edges of the fabric. The border consists of stripes along the edges of the fabric, while flames are diagonal stripes in the corners of the fabric.

Various scientific literature suggests that the first flag was the flag of France, which is no more than 200 years old. However, Denmark claims that its flag is the oldest—dating back almost 700 years. The Dutch also contend that their tricolor flag is the first [7, p. 232].

The French and Dutch flags share a relatively common history of origin. As national flags, they were created either during revolutions or national liberation movements, symbolizing the efforts of the entire nation directed toward a specific goal — often the overthrow of the old order (though it is worth noting that some flags emerged due to maritime navigation as identification marks [6, p. 146]). It was believed that the banner was an echo of the past, so, as in the case of the French flag, it became a symbol of unity between the royal color (white) and the colors of urban classes (blue and red). From that moment on, the basic principles applicable to flags were established. A flag should not bear any inscriptions, decorations, fringe, finials, ribbons, or award markings; the fabric should be light and non-dense. The flag is raised on a cord up a flagpole or may be attached to a pole or staff but without distinctive markings. The main symbols of a flag are its colors and various emblems (e.g., a coat of arms), which further characterize the state.

The components of a flag's fabric include the canton, where an emblem or symbol is often displayed; the upper fly — the upper part of the fabric farthest from the pole; the lower fly — the lower part of the fabric farthest from the pole; the lower hoist — the lower part of the fabric closest to the pole. The border is a contrasting-colored trim around one of the flag's elements [8, p. 6].

In conclusion, it can be said that a flag is primarily a symbol of an entire country, not a specific organization. It reflects the history of a particular state, its specifics, and unique features, uniting all peoples living within its territory, and signifies the independence and sovereignty of that country.

On the other hand, a banner is a kind of relic and an official symbol for a particular organization, often military. A banner is, in a way, the "face" of the organization, which may display various achievements of the organization it represents. It embodies valor, glory, and traditions entrenched within the organization.

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