Vexillological symbols are used by vexillologists to indicate certain characteristics of flags, such as where they are used, who uses them, and what they look like. The symbols were created by vexillologist Whitney Smith and then adopted by the International Federation of Vexillological Associations (FIAV) in the early 1970s.[1] Vexillologist Željko Heimer added the symbols for normal and historical in the early 1990s.[2]
Status and design symbols
Vexillological symbols describe information on a flag's recognition status and design.
List of symbols
Symbol
Meaning
Normal or de jure version of flag, or obverse side
Design was proposed in the past, but never officially adopted
Design is a reconstruction, based on past observation
Reverse side of flag
An acceptable variant of the standard flag
One of several alternative versions of the flag that can be displayed
Flag has different designs on its obverse side and its reverse side
Obverse side meant to be hoisted with pole to the observer's right
Design officially authorized to represent nation by government of that nation (not necessary to use when the de jure symbol is used)
Design used in the past, but now abandoned
Reverse side is mirror image of obverse side
Reverse side is congruent to the obverse side
Information on reverse side is not available
Flag can be hung vertically by hoisting on a normal pole, then turning the pole 90°
Flag can be hung vertically by rotating the design first
Vertical hoist method of flag is unknown
Design has no element which can be rotated
Flags can only be hoisted vertically
Flag is not authorized to represent the group or country
Examples
Flag of Paraguay The normal and two-sided symbols indicate this is the obverse side of an authorized flag, and that the reverse side is different.
Flag of Paraguay The reverse, official, and two-sided symbols indicate this is the reverse side of an authorized flag, and that the obverse side is different.
Flag of France The normal symbol indicates this is the official flag of the nation.
Flag of France The normal and variant symbols indicate this flag is an acceptable variant of the national flag.
Flag of Antarctica The de facto symbol indicates the flag is widely accepted and used, but not codified by law.
Flag of the Margraviate of Austria (976–1136) The historical and reconstructed symbols indicate the flag is no longer in use, and the design is based on historical records and artifacts.
Usage symbols
The usage symbols are based on a grid of two rows representing use on land and use on water, and three columns representing private use, public use, and military use. Each circle in the grid indicates the flag has one or more of the following six basic usages:
A single design may be associated with no usages or multiple usages. Heimer suggested an additional row for air ensigns, but it has not been adopted by FIAV. The air ensign row refers to flags displayed on aircraft, including when on the ground, and air installations. The air ensign row is placed above the remaining two rows.[2]