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Discover the Top 7 Amazing Fun Facts About Flags You Never Knew!

illustration of flags
Get ready to embark on a colorful journey as we unravel some fascinating, flag-tastic tidbits that are guaranteed to raise your flag trivia game to new heights!

1. Flag Fanatics Unite: Vexillology

Feeling flag-tastic and hungry for knowledge? Unfurled curiosities and a menu of information await, as we weave our way through colorful threads that connect cultures and histories: The study of flags is called vexillology, and the subreddit r/vexillology vibrantly explores flags' significance across time, sharing intriguing insights, design features, and hidden symbols with members who are keen to uncover each flag's story—transforming it from a simple piece of fabric to a powerful emblem for people and nations.
Source => reddit.com

2. Isle of Man's Three-Legged Flag

Ever wondered what happens when three legs walk into a flag? Prepare to be thigh-lighted: The Isle of Man flag features a triskelion, symbolizing the Celtic heritage, Manx people, land, and sea, as well as the trinity of the Manx Parliament, the quirky design represents unity and strength with legs bent at the knee and joined at the hip.
Source => historic-cornwall.org.uk

3. Norway's Influential Nordic Cross

Unlike a vexillological Russian doll, Norway's flag doesn't tuck away mini-flags of other countries within its cozy confines, but it sure knows how to influence its Nordic brethren: Designed in 1821 by Fredrik Meltzer, Norway's flag not only enjoys senior citizenship among global flags with an 8:11 proportion, but has also lent its iconic Nordic Cross design to Sweden and Denmark, with just the minor palette swaps of adding a yellow or white cross respectively.
Source => flaginstitute.org

4. Kingdom of Kongo's Holy Makeover

When King Afonso I crossed over to the Christian side and decided to give his kingdom a holy glow-up, he didn't just wing it like a medieval Kardashians spin-off: The Kingdom of Kongo's ruler showcased his newfound faith by designing a coat of arms, featuring a cross and various symbols, distinct from the European versions used during the Middle Ages.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Radiohead's Rockin' Flag Banner

5. Radiohead's Rockin' Flag Banner

Who says flags can’t rock out with their grommets out? Stars, stripes, and the sweet sound of Radiohead collide when you transform your favorite band's "Hail to the Thief" album cover into a 4x4ft wall banner: Featuring a flag of arrows design, this durable polyester banner comes digitally printed and equipped with brass grommets for easy hanging – a perfect statement piece for both indoor and outdoor shenanigans. No need to be a paranoid android though, as shipping is available internationally, though some pandemic-related delays may ensue.
Source => flagbannerstore.com

6. Mozambique's Locked and Loaded Flag

When Mozambique said "we're locked and loaded" they weren't kidding around with a game of laser tag: their national flag sports a modern Kalashnikov rifle with a bayonet attached to the barrel crossed by a farming mattock, superimposed on an open book—making it the only flag among UN member states to feature a modern firearm, and one of only four to feature a firearm at all.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Kiribati's High-Flying Frigatebird Flag

Picture this: a majestic frigatebird has enrolled in flight school and ended up dominating the skies, darting over a rising sun as waves below cheer it on – clearly, this bird has unlocked the achievement of being immortalized on a flag: Behold the national flag of Kiribati! This vibrant design, featuring a yellow bird, a 17-ray sun, and ocean stripes, came to life in 1931 through the creative mind of Sir Arthur Grimble. Elevating to flag status on July 12th, 1979, it shines like a beacon for Kiribati’s unique geographical position, mastery of the sea, freedom, and dance patterns.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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