A flag is a piece of fabric that has a specific design, which is used as a symbol, as a signaling device, or as a decoration. The first flags were used to assist the military co-ordination while on the battlefields. Since then, flags have evolved into a tool for signalling and identification, specifically in environments where communication is similarly challenging, such as the maritime environment. National flags are potent patriotic symbols with varied wide-ranging interpretations, usually including strong military associations due to their original and ongoing military uses.
Flags are also used in messaging, advertising, or for other decorative purposes. The study of flags is known as vexillology, which comes from the Latin word “vexillum,” which means flag or banner. Some flag stores sell as sorts of flags such as novelty flags for sale, seasonal flags, windsocks, garden flags, and even flag accessories such as the flag hardware needed to hoist a flag. Flag hardware is something that the ancient Romans first thought of. They were the first ones to suggest connecting a flag to a pole. Flag hardware includes a flagpole, flagmast, flagstaff, or staff that can be a simple support made out of wood or metal.
If it is taller than most people, in order to raise the flag, flag hardware known as a cord is used, looping around a pulley at the top of the pole, with the ends tied at the bottom. The flag is then fixed to one lower end of the cord, and is then raised by pulling on the other end. Then cord is then tightened and tied to the pole at the bottom. Flag hardware includes the pole that is usually topped by a flat plate or ball, which is called a “truck,” or a finial in more complex shapes. It was originally meant to keep wooden poles from splitting. Very high flagpoles might require more complex support structures than a simple pole, such as a guyed mast.
