Flag Terminology
| Bunting |
- Is cloth decorated with the national colors. The term is also used for the woolen cloth used in making flags. |
| Canton |
- Any quarter of a flag, but commonly means the upper left (hoist) quarter, such as the field of stars in the flag of the United States. |
| Charge |
- A figure, emblem or symbol appearing in the field of a flag. |
| Double Sided |
- Design reads correctly on both sides of the flag. Typically this flag is 2 single sided flags sewn back to back to make it double thickness. This type of flag is commonly hung horizontally indoors. Double sided flags are heavier than a single reverse flag and are not typically recommended for outdoor use. |
| Field |
- The section of the flag between the hoist and the fly ends is called the field or, sometimes, the ground. It does not include the canton. |
| Fly |
- The fly of a flag is the edge opposite the hoist end, furthest from the flagpole. It’s the part of the flag that flaps in the wind and sometimes becomes frayed. You may hear the term “fly end” to refer to this part of a flag. |
| Fringe |
- Gold fringe can be found on ceremonial flags used indoors and for outdoor ceremonies. The fringe is considered completely within the guidelines of proper flag etiquette. |
| Grommet |
- Is a metal ring placed along the hoist of a flag to attach the halyard. A flag with grommets is the most commonly displayed flag and is typically flown horizontally on a vertical freestanding outdoor flagpole. The hoist edge is reinforced canvas with brass grommets designed to attach the flag to the halyard (rope) of the pole. These flags can also be flown on a variety of other poles without rope. |
| Header |
- A heavy cloth strip, usually canvas, sewn to the hoist edge of a flag and often with grommets for hoisting. |
| Hoist |
- Is used to describe the height of the flag while flying. The term also refers to the edge of the flag that is attached to the flagpole or staff. You may hear the term “hoist end” to refer to this part of a flag. |
| Length |
- The span of a flag along the side at right angles to the flagpole. |
| Pole Hem |
- A flag with pole hem is a flag that has a sewn sleeve (pole hem) instead of grommets. A pole can be inserted into the pole hem to keep the flag attached. The pole hem can be either on the top of the flag so it can be hung on a horizontal pole like a banner or along the side of a flag so it can be hung on a vertical pole. This type of flag is typically hung on smaller poles either outside a home, indoors on smaller freestanding flagpoles or carried in parades. |
| Single Reverse |
- Design is only done on one side of the flag but shows through to the other side in a reverse image. The majority of flags are created this way, including most state flags and corporate flags. A single reverse flag is lightweight and is most cost-effective. |
| Width |
- The span of a flag down the side parallel to the flagpole. |
Military Flag Terms
| Garrison |
- A garrison flag is a large US Army flag that is flown on military posts on special days. It has a ratio of about 1:2, with measurements of 20 feet by 38 feet. |
| Storm |
- A storm flag is a small US Army flag that is flown on military posts during storms. It has a ratio of about 1:2, with measurements of 5 feet by 9.5 feet. |
| Post |
- A post flag is a large US Army flag that is ordinarily flown on military posts. It has a ratio of about 1:2, with measurements of 8 feet 11 3/8 inches by 17 feet. |
Flagpole Terminology
Following is a list of basic terminology to help you when deciding which flagpole is right for you:
Ball
| - A type of finial, a round ornament topping the flagpole. The diameter is usually the same as the butt diameter of the flagpole. |
|
Butt Diameter
| - The diameter of the pole around the bottom at ground level. |
Cam Cleat
| - A mechanism used to secure the halyard on an internal halyard flagpole. This mechanism
works much like a Venetian blind. |
Cleat
| - Often attached directly to the shaft, this is where the halyard is tied off after raising the flag. |
Cleat Box
| - A box that houses the cleat and is lockable to deter theft or vandalism. |
Finial
| - The ball, eagle or cross that sits atop the truck or pole cap for decorative purposes. |
Flag Snap
| - Hardware that allows for easy attachment or removal of the flag to the flagpole. |
Flash Collar
| - A type of cover placed at the base of the flagpole for decorative purposes to
create a more finished appearance.
|
Halyard
| - The rope or cable used to affix the flag snaps to the flag for raising and lowering. Can be placed externally for convenience or internally for security. Choosing an external or internal design is among the first choices you will make when buying a flagpole. |
Sling Assembly
| - A beaded cable assembly used on internal halyard flagpoles to secure the lower end of the flag to the flagpole. |
Truck Assembly
| - The pulley mechanism atop the pole that guides the halyard as the flag is being raised or lowered. |
|
Wall Thickness
| - Flagpoles are hollow shafts. You must choose the appropriate thickness of the walls for proper strength and durability based on wind speed and other requirements. |