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A flag is a piece of colored cloth with one side tied to a pole or mast. The basic purpose of a flag is identification or signaling. Today, flags are used for messaging, advertising and decorative purposes, though there is no scientific difference between a flag and a simple cloth banner. Depending on the use of flags at a particular place, there can be different interpretations of flags. Different interpretations of Flags are:

<u>National Flags</u>

Whenever the word flag is referred, the first and most popular use of a flag that comes to mind is National Flag. Not only it symbolizes your country but also gives a sense of belonging to you.

<u>Swimming Flags</u>

Swimming flags are a pair of red/yellow flags which are used to mark the limits of swimming area on a beach. To indicate that the beach is close, simply cross the poles of the flags. These flags are used in countries like Australia, New Zealand, UK and Philippines.

<u>Sports Flags</u>

- In American and Canadian football, referees use flags to indicate an error has been made in game play. - In auto and motorcycle racing, flags are used to communicate with drivers. The most famous use of flag in this sport is a checkered flag of black and white that marks the end of the race.

<u>Railway Flags</u>

Flags are used in railways as well. These colored flags carry the following meaning:

- A red flag indicates stop. - A yellow flag indicates proceed with care. - If a green or a white or a blue flag is hoisted it indicates proceed. - In case of emergency a flag of any color if waved vigorously indicates stop. - A blue flag on the side of a locomotive indicates that work is in progress and hence it should not be removed. - A blue flag on a track indicates that nothing on the track should be removed or displaced. Only the person or group who placed the flag has a right to remove it.

Since flags are not visible during night time, lanterns of same color are used as a replacement.

<u>Navy Flags</u>

Flags at sea can be the difference between life and death. In situations where there is no other means of communication and the ship is in a bad state, asking help in the middle of the sea becomes next to impossible. Here, you can use flag signals to send the message across the other sailing ship.

About the Author

Jatin Chawla is a freelance journalist. Jatin writes for http://headings.internettollfree.com, offering valuable information on Flags and Banners.