Vexillology is the study of flags. The word is a synthesis of the Latin word 'vexillum' (flag) and the Greek word 'logos' (study). On this page, we want to give you a bit more insight into the wonderful world of flag design.
VEXILLOLOGY: THE PRACTICE AND STUDY OF FLAG DESIGN
What it means to us
Vexillology enthusiasts, like us here at Flagmaker & Print, love imagining new countries and worlds.
By studying and deconstructing the symbols of current-day countries, we can imagine our own which creates awesome flags to decorate our space and worldbuilding projects. Hence, we can be considered part of the 'roleplaying and worldbuilding' wing of the flag enthusiast community.
Flagmaker & Print was founded for this reason: to have a dedicated flag making and printing service, and a community dedicated to the study and improvement of fictional flags.
By studying and deconstructing the symbols of current-day countries, we can imagine our own which creates awesome flags to decorate our space and worldbuilding projects. Hence, we can be considered part of the 'roleplaying and worldbuilding' wing of the flag enthusiast community.
Flagmaker & Print was founded for this reason: to have a dedicated flag making and printing service, and a community dedicated to the study and improvement of fictional flags.
The origins of flag design
Despite popular belief, vexillology is a very recent field. The formal study of flags, vexillology, emerged only in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It wasn't a major field until then, though interest in flags has existed for much longer.
Our modern notion of the 'state flag' developed out of heraldic banners from the Feudal Age, which could vary wildly in presentation, size and shape. The need for more standardised national identification would emerge as global shipping grew leaps and bounds during the Age of Sail.
Later, the rise of national identity in the 18th and 19th century formalized the national flag as a symbol of not only a geographic location, but a country, its people, and even her ideology.
Vexillology terms explained
Generally, vexillology breaks flags down into different terms, and more broadly, flag types. Understanding these term will be the first step in understanding the broader field of flag design. Let's take a closer look:
Areas of the flag
Field
The 'field' refers to the background of a flag. A flag may be set on a 'field' of green.
Canton
This term refers to the upper-left of the flag, usually containing the country in a naval jack.
Sinister, Hoist
'Left' side of the flag, or the side closest to the hoist when viewed from the front
Dextera, Fly
This term refers to the 'right' or 'flying' side of the flag, when viewed from the front
Additionally, flags are generally grouped into 'patterns' depending on their dominant shapes. These types include:
Flag patterns
Fesses
These flags are built from horizontal stripes, like many European flags (Germany...)
Pales
Flags with vertical stripes, like Canada, France, Belgium, Mexico, etc...
Cross
'English Cross' flags actually originate from Greece and the Byzantine Empire.
Saltire
Saltire flags are crossed corner to corner, such as the flags of Scotland, Burgundy, Gascony
Chevron
The chevron flag features a triangle at the hoist side, popular in Latin and South-America
Quartered
During medieval times, various arms were often 'quartered' over a flag to show a mixed origin.
Charged
A classic from the medieval age, Charges flags use heraldic or symbolic emblems.
Pall
Half Saltire, half Cross, the Pall flags are a modern pattern used for example in South Africa.
Want to learn more? Join our discord and win free flags!
This page is only a brief introduction to the principles of flag design. If you'd like to learn more, we suggest you join our monthly flag design contest on Discord! There, the winner each month gets a free flag from Flagmaker & Print.
Additionally, play around with our Flag Maker! We are continuously building out our integrated flagmaker app to include new patterns, symbols and assets to help you create your dream flag online.
If you're looking to get inspired, we suggest browsing our Crew Picks collection. This is a collection of flags designed with our app that has been curated by (and often, designed by!) our team of flag enthousiasts:
Additionally, play around with our Flag Maker! We are continuously building out our integrated flagmaker app to include new patterns, symbols and assets to help you create your dream flag online.
If you're looking to get inspired, we suggest browsing our Crew Picks collection. This is a collection of flags designed with our app that has been curated by (and often, designed by!) our team of flag enthousiasts:
