Every country has its own flag, not only to represent the country but to have a story of its own.While some flags define the mottos of their country, some are simply about geography. When it comes to the history of the Australian flag, the story is actually quite interesting.The Australian flag is a combination of three colors along with a Union Jack, a seven-pointed big star, and five small stars, each one giving out a message. Designed by Ivor Evans, Annie Dorrington, William Stevens, Lesley Hawkins, and Egbert Nutall, the modern Australian flag has reached this stage after it had undergone many changes. Therefore, in this article, we will be looking at all the interesting details of the Australian flag and how the people of this country get a sense of pride by looking at their national flag.A national flag can evoke emotions in a person, whether these emotions are of pride, patriotism, thankfulness, or even happiness. National flags are not made out of any cloth with any symbol or color, rather they have a well-defined symbology and a meaning underlying that design. Every citizen of the country respects these national symbols, whether it is the flag, anthem, song, or emblem.Australia like many other countries had been a British colony before being an independent nation, thus it has the British flag Union Jack. It also consists of a commonwealth star, a seven-point star on a blue background. There are many doubts about Australia having two flags, while one is the national flag, the other is meant for the royal Australian navy. Thus, in this article, we will be discussing the meaning behind every symbol, the characteristics, the political and cultural factors, the use of flags outside the government buildings, and many other interesting facts about the official flag of Australia.After you have read about different Australian flags, also check Japan flag facts and Alabama state flag facts.Social & Cultural FactorsEvery country has its own national flag, and each flag has some social and cultural factors attached to them. Similarly, there are a few social and cultural sentiments attached to the Australian national flag that we will be discussing here. These factors will be provided in points for easy comprehension and interesting reading.Australia has a federal government, and the protocol for hoisting the national flag and keeping it can be found in the flags booklet that can be found from the senator, or the federal member of parliament.The flag is not allowed to be used as any sort of table cover, seat cover, or to be hoisted upside down. Throwing the national Australian flag is also not acceptable.The people of Australia, have no entitlement to free flags and portraits of the Queen.There are many sentimental values attached to the national flag, as it is the symbol of the rich history of the country and the geography of the land on the world map.The flag cannot be used as a cover during the inauguration of any monument. The national flag is required to be treated with the highest respect and dignity.The Symbolism Of Australian FlagThe national flag of Australia is made up of three elements on the navy blue background, the Union Jack, the Southern Cross, and the Commonwealth Star.If we consider the arrangement of these elements then, the upper left corner of the flag is covered by the Union Jack that represents the history of British settlement. Below this British Union Jack is the Commonwealth star or the federation star that is white in color and has seven points. The seven pointers of the star symbolize the unity of territories and six states of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Southern Cross represents the constitution made up of five stars that are only visible from the southern hemisphere indicating the geography of the country on the world map.The Commonwealth star is also present on the commonwealth coat of arms. The national flag of Australia has undergone changes ever since it was first adopted by the country.Characteristics Of FlagThe characteristics of the Australian national flag are given below.The proportion of this modern flag is 1:2 and was adopted on December 8, 1908, with the Commonwealth Star. The use of this flag is that of a national flag and state ensign. Apart from this national flag, there are three other flags namely the Australian red ensign which is used as civil ensign, the next is the Australian white ensign used as the naval ensign.If the flag is hoisted upside down it is classed as a crime and the person will have to face the law.The National Flag Day, as proclaimed by Governor-General, Sir William Deane, is celebrated on September 3 every year, ever since 1996. The National Flag Day celebrations have taken place in Sydney every year, since 1985.Political Factors & SignificanceEvery country that has a national flag has a significance that is both very meaningful and historical.While the flag is important for the whole nation, it plays a very important role in world politics. The national flags are often hoisted outside the government buildings, this signifies that the building is under the aid of the government and also as a symbol of the country’s political presence when any foreign minister visits the place.Many countries hoist their flags at the national monuments, again, something that signifies the government authority. Flags are often used as the representation of the country and thus the flag of the winning country is hosted during the Olympics medal distribution indicating the success of the player and the country she/he represented. Many times small flags are used that can be attached to coats, trains, or any other significant place during the hour of need. Often the flag represents the political agenda of the country.The Australian blue ensign or the Southern Cross can be found on the Australian flag. The British Blue Ensign or the Southern Cross is in the official flags of England as well as Australia. It was the national colonial flag. The new flag or the Australian flag is the only national flag today, but there are still separate territory flags other than Australia’s national flag. Rt Hon Sir Edmund Barton served as the first prime minister of Australia and soon became an Australian identity after winning the national election as all the stars were in his favor. He was the first person to hoist the new Australian flag or the federation flag in front of the private citizens.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Australian flag facts then why not take a look at Ireland flag facts, or Arizona flag meaning.
Every country has its own flag, not only to represent the country but to have a story of its own.
