The 2006-2007 fifth grade students in Jim Igielski's class have created personal flags that express their identities and ways that they view their lives. They are pleased to share them with you, as well as their words of explanation. We have included a brief description of the term, vexillography, that we hope you find interesting.
Vexillology is a word derived from the Latin vexillum, a term used by the Romans to refer to a kind of standard with a fabric hung from a horizontal crossbar on a pole.
It is the nearest equivalent in the classical languages to what we call a flag today.
The Roman legion had a variety of standards: the eagle (which was used more often than the others) the wolf, the minotaur, the horse,
and the boar were carried in front of different elements of the legion.
All were animal totems, reflecting what is considered to be the religious beliefs of an agricultural society.
In battle and on the march, the standards were important as rallying points.
To lose, or surrender, a standard, especially the eagle itself, was considered a serious disgrace.
Related words: vexillophily: A special fondness for flags and their meanings; vexillophilist, one who has a fondness or love of flags.
The flag is a powerful instrument for social participation and communication.
Flag is a word of Teutonic (Germanic) origin used from the 15th to the 16th centuries in various northern European languages
to signify a piece of cloth, bunting, or similar material that displayed the insignia of a community, an armed force, an office, or an individual.
It is this last definition that the following flag designs reflect. The images are thumbnail size. To view full size, click on each flag.
Last update: October 8, 2006
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