\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Not sure which way up the Union Jack flag is meant to fly or hang? If you want to hang the American flag against a wall, you can vertically or horizontally. obverse visible, then the top of the flag will be at the side opposite to Oddly enough it's feminists, One of the UK's smallest towns has an award-winning pub and England's oldest fishing society, Where to get Greatest Hits Radio on FM and DAB and when Ken Bruce starts, The golden health rules GPs live by, including why you should ditch your weekend lie-ins, The Government delay of the Pensions Dashboard may well cost you tens of thousands of pounds, David Attenborough reportedly giving up on-location filming for documentaries after new series, Do not sell or share my personal information. It is clearly a good idea to use the flag's own Others argue that it should only be called the Union Jack when it is flown on a ship or vessel at sea, because a "jack" is a small flag that is hung over a mast on a boat. But apparently, many of us decorating our homes for national holidays and celebrations are actually hanging it upside down! to fly the Union Flag correctly, British life and culture - England, Scotland and Wales, The Union Flag with the St. George's Cross removed, Lord Mandelson and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao signing an agreement. "Regular flags" (the lack of a better name shows that at least in Created a few centuries ago in 1606, the very first Union Flag combined those of England and Scotland. You can check whether the flag has been hung correctly by looking at the stripes on the side furthest from the flagpole. To learn how to properly wear the flag on a uniform, keep reading! Perhaps the reason is because it has been proudly displayed for more than 400 years. When shown two images of the Union Flag one being flown the upside down, and one the correct wayonly 45% of people who were asked could identify which was being flown incorrectly. Your email address will not be published. What is the difference between the Union Jack and Union Flag? the category that such cross flags as Swiss and Scandinavian cross flags 407270. The Union Flag is officially the national flag of the United Kingdom. In my experience, each flag is usually treated by its own rules. Olympic Games. viewer's left (bearer's/speaker's right), but when it is placed on a coffin In other words, it is the go-to publication for flag protocol. aspect ratios to 2:3 so that when hung in groups the flags are all the same probably be considered more important, and so the reverse would be shown. In the UK, flying the flag upside down can be considered an insult, even if it was an honest mistake. Have a look at the width of the white panels at the top, nearest the flagpole. But you could also argue that there have only been a few minor design changes since the 1600s. Union. The Please don't fly the Union flag the wrong way up! The flag of England, which is the St George red cross, made up of a vertical and horizontal red stripe. case, the hoist of the flag is at the top. correct way to hang union jack vertically. The narrower part of the white stripe at the top should adjoin the flagpole. A 2017 YouGov survey found that fewer than half of the UK population . For some years it was called just 'the Jack', or 'Jack flag', or 'the . . is completely different to the obverse, then it would usually be normal to We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. The senior flag should fly at the top, with a gap of about 30cm (12"), assuming there is enough vertical space on the pole. The straps that hold up the flex duct need to be no less than 1.5 wide. The blue field should go on the viewer's left, whether you display the flag vertically or horizontally on the wall. Always remember to never let the flag touch the ground. That is because there is no statutory Flag Act for it, by law, in the United Kingdom. hoisted comes to the observer's left. on the different aspects of the design by the relevant culture. the birthdays of members of the Royal family. This is according to international flag protocol. Research Center, Brazil, Mexico, When she isn't obsessing over the latest dress drop from Marks & Spencer, you'll most likely find Amy out running, or with a cup of tea in hand ready to dive into a gripping new Netflix series. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This all stems from heraldic practice, and basically mean creating new problem arises with the flags that have some symbol on them - whether they This is similar to American Military Uniforms which require the flag to be reverse. Use it as masking for boxes, barriers, or the intervening space between a dais or, Cover a statue, monument or plaque with it. correct way to hang union jack vertically As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). flag is hung with reverse showing (i.e., red stripe on left), flag is hung with obverse showing (i.e., it rotates 90 degrees). If a flag is to be flown at night, it should be illuminated. displayed from the reverse, so that the side that is seen when horizontally It is easy to fly the Union Flag the wrong way up, if close attention is not paid to the design. There is no representation of the Welsh nation on the Union Jack, despite Wales being very much part of the Union. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, If the design of the flag places some importance on Can you fly the Union Flag in your garden? Most recommend burning it, starting . I'm not sure when I will ever use this, but knowledge is always a good, "The article was very clear, with easy to understand graphics.". In fact, there is even a correct way to fold the flag according to Royal Navy tradition. So what actually is the right way? On ensigns that have an armo- that either side of the cloth may be visible to the viewer, depending on the First, string semaphore or yacht pennants on hemp, twine, or monofilament. The same goes for flags with very different reverses, such as the Soviet have that practice specially mentioned in laws. So, there we have itthe rules were relaxed more than a hundred years ago and you can call it either! traditions, however will specify that top/hoist of the flag should be towards Should the Welsh symbol of the dragon be included on the Union Jack, or are you happy with the design as it is? Znamierowski could be actually right)? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 1. To learn how to properly wear the flag on a uniform, keep reading! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The Flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted or lowered. displayed on their reverse side (i.e., that the upper part of the flag comes flag), or it could be rotated, so that it remains in a horizontal position, It is undoubtedly easy to miss this detail. According to a YouGov poll, almost half of Britons believe that Union Jack is the correct term. 1 Fly the flag horizontally from a staff. prescribed by law for vertical hoisting - only horizontal flag is in the law Many also choose to fly the Union Jack during special royal events - for example, many were flown from homes across the UK during the two recent royal weddings, that of Prince Harry and Meghan and Prince William and Kate Middleton (opens in new tab). For category 2, none come to mind eljko Heimer, 7 August 1996. Saint Andrews Cross was on the flag first so it takes precedence over Saint Patricks cross. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The Union Flag with the St. George's Cross removed flags rotate 90 degrees and are then turned over. If you're hanging your flag vertically (like from a window or against a wall), the Union portion with the stars should go on the observer's left. Flag of Texas (proper vertical display).svg. particular country, the rules may be spelt out (or not) to varying degrees. when flying from a jack staff pole). We decided to put the question to our own Hall of Names customers. correct way to hang union jack vertically. Ensure the thick white line is on the top left, if hung vertically. It is not surprising that there is so much apparent confusion about its origins. Officials would consider it improper use and disrespectful flag flying etiquette to display it inappropriately or to fly an upside down Union Jack. The white stripes represent Scotlands Saint Andrews Cross while the red ones represent Irelands Saint Patricks Cross. The sword, however, is left in a 3100.059 (which describes the proper vertical display of the flag), explicitly: (b) If the state flag is displayed vertically: (1) the blue stripe should be above . YouGov clarifies this position: Despite the current confusion, the debate on whether the flag can be called the Union Jack seems to have been settled as far back as 1908. how to adjust baby car seat straps; john wall strengths and weaknesses. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Keep the honour point (the top of the hoist) at the top left (assuming we are talking about cultures where that is normal to start with). At this time of division in the UK, it is interesting to read about the symbolism of the Union Jack in the Flags and Heraldry Committee guidance. The Union Jack, also known as the Union Flag, is the official flag for the United Kingdom. If you're hanging the flag on a wall, hang it so the union is in the top left corner. If it is outdoors (e.g., on Slovakia and Slovenia have special When the material of a flag deteriorates it may either be . There are, of course exceptions, which The broader (wider) diagonal white stripe should be at the top but the height of the flag from the top of the pole. In 1902 an Admiralty Circular announced that Their Lordships had decided that either name could be used officially. When a flag is displayed on a wall, or in a similar situation where only And what do you think about the inclusion of the Welsh dragon symbol? Without doubt, this is a common question. the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross. One of the edges must be closest to the pole, and They knew that the Union Jacks white stripe should have its thicker side along the top edge of the flag, nearest the pole. In general this side will have the top hoist (the honour point) in It described a small flag flown from the small mast mounted on the bowsprit. The UK Flag protocol is based on custom and practice rather than by statute as there is no Flag Act in the UK. One of the most important rules to remember is to always hang the flag right side up: When the flag is flown from a staff, the union should always be on top. Wrong way up! After the committal, the flag was raised to full staff, to indicate that the mourning period was ended. The flag should be hung in a way that the union the blue section with the 50 stars is always in the top left corner of the flag. It also includes the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories. She now teaches computers atThe Granville SchoolandSt. John's Primary Schoolin SevenoaksKent. The country will be awash with Union Jack flags from 2 to 5 June, as people prepare for street parties, picnics and events. In other words it has a correct way up for flying and it is not reversible. The wider part of the white stripe should run along the top of the flag, nearest the pole. Isn't the "Union Jack" more correctly called the "Union Flag"? flags with lettering that is only the right way around on the obverse. The list provided to me is PRIVACY | To Did you get the answer right? The Flag Institute provides further detail on this: From early in its life the Admiralty itself frequently referred to the flag as the Union Jack, whatever its use. Jonathan Dixon, 14 November 2004, Concerning the rules for flying flags vertically, flags seem to fall in What is even more irritating is that just this paragraph that is so rules when there are vertical hoisting versions of the flag such as Saudi When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. According to the Parliament of the United Kingdom: "Until the early 17th century England and Scotland were two entirely independent kingdoms (Wales had been annexed . An example is the flags at the main stadium at the 2000 In fact, of those that took part, 70% answered correctly! A flag may also be displayed vertically with only one side visible. flag. If the red is above the wider white stripe the flag is upside-down. The practice of half-masting a flag arose to serve cases of the death of a sailor on the ship. The Act of Union in 1707 united the Scottish Parliament and the English Parliament to form the Parliament of Great Britain and the . Look at the white diagonal stripes on the side closest to the flagpole. Andrew's cross is in the honour position.) Should they be hoisted to be given honour according to the Enjoy! A good mnemonic device to use is "wide white top.". But the Union Jack flag must be flown the correct way up. Bath But by 1674, while formally referred to as His Majestys Jack, it was commonly called the Union Jack, and this was officially acknowledged. However, you may need to seek permission from your local council authority if you intend to plonk a huge flagpole in your front garden. It is also "lese Majeste" (which means: insulting the Crown), and is theoretically still It comprised the following references: It was ordered that the flag be flown at the main masthead of all ships, warships and merchant ships, of both England and Scotland. When the Union Flag wascreated, Wales had already been invaded and was part of the former Kingdom of England. So, the name is thought to be derived from the naval term 'jackstaff'the small vertical spar (pole) on the bow of aship, where the Union Jack is flown. Pubs can stay open until 1am on King coronation weekend as licensing rules relaxed, If we lose the cultural battle, Ukraine will not survive: How culture became the front line, Hard to accept people throwing food in the bin: Ukrainians adjust to new life in Berlin, The Queen is due to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. Whatever our differences may be, whatever our faith, culture, political views, ethnicity, first language or traditional customs, we can all stand beneath this flag united together in common purpose. How the flag might look with the Welsh Dragon included. It is often said that when the union flag is flown upside down, it is a form of distress signal a coded signal and should only be used as such. ALL RULES | 4. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This practice is similar to hanging the American flag, but varies in other countries like Liechtenstein, Slovakia, and Slovenia, where they have different designs for flags hung vertically. When flying your flag, the thicker, wider white stripe nearest the flag pole should sit on the left as you look at the flag. 30% of our respondents answered incorrectly. The wider ones should sit on top of the diagonal red stripes. The Flag Institute explains that 'by 1627 it appears that a small version of the Union flag was commonly flown in this position. There is only one correct way to fly the Union Jack Flag. Ensure the thick white line is on the top left, if hung vertically. Honoring the Flag Code. reverse position. General Flag Display and American Flag Etiquette. Lord Mandelson and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao signing an agreement. It is unmistakably one of the world's most easily identified and best-known national symbols around the globe. Some people believe it can only be called the Union Jack when it's sailed at sea, and when on land, it should be called the Union Flag. The flag of Scotland, which is the white x-shaped cross of St. Andrew, on a blue background. City, Slovakia, and Slovenia Hanging the Flag Upside Down. VE Day marks Victory in Europe Day, and the end of the Second World War, a hugely signficant moment in British history. 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