Significance

• On almost every national flag every color and symbol has deep significance. The flag of Bhutan, for instance, consists of two separate diagonal-shaped halves; one is orange and the other is a yellowish hue. In the middle of this is a white dragon facing to the right. The orange color signifies religious meaning in relation to the Buddhists, with the yellow representing authority. The white dragon is holding jewels in each claw that represent wealth. The white color is for purity and the snarling face of the dragon is the power of those people that protect the nation.
  
  

Identification

• Some flags are readily identifiable. The flag of Brazil is one of these. It consists of a large yellow diamond against a green background. Inside the diamond is a blue circle full of white stars. A banner runs through the circle amongst the stars with the words "Ordem e Progresso," which means "Order and Progress." The most recognized flag in the world is the Stars and Stripes of the United States, with the flags of such nations as Great Britain and Sweden also quickly identified by many.
  
  

Features

• While many national flags are a combination of meaningful colors, several have outstanding features that have relevance to the country. The flag of Lebanon consists of two red horizontal stripes with a white stripe in between. Inside the white stripe is a cedar tree of green, a symbol of peace and tolerance. On the Sri Lankan flag, there is a golden lion clutching a sword. The lion has been a symbol of the people there for ages, and the sword stands for authority. The yellow bird of paradise featured on the flag of Papua New Guinea represents the nation's independence.
  
  

History

• The history or folklore of a nation can be told on the flag of a country. Mexico has a flag on which there is an eagle grasping a snake in its talons. This is showing an old Aztec legend in which God tells some wandering Aztec warriors to build their homes where they saw an eagle eating a snake. The spot that they saw the bird and the reptile became their home and eventually turned into what is now Mexico City.
  
  

Considerations

• Consider the many emblems that represent a country's willingness to defend its freedom. The flag of Kenya for example has the spears and shield of a Massai warrior on it--a symbol of being ready to fight for their rights. Omens of luck adorn some flags, like the crescent moon and star on the Turkish flag. Sometimes the number of symbols is significant, as on the national flag of the Philippines--it has three stars, one for each of the country's main geographical regions.