Fun With Flags

Something that no one knows about me is that I have a fascination with international flags.  I really enjoy learning about the story behind the flags because I think it speaks accurately of the country it represents.  Last week one of my roommates and I were at the mall when we came across a flag store.  I got all excited and asked if we could go in and she humored me and we went in.  The nice man, who, I'm assuming, is the owner of the store, handed me a paper with (I guess) all the flags of the world pictured as well as USA state and historical flags.  Every time I'm getting dressed I check out this paper and admire the flags.   Here's a list of my favorite flags.

1) Marshall Islands.  I know absolutely nothing about this place, these islands.  I had never even heard of them until this paper.  But I think their flag is somewhat reminiscent of Disney Land/World in perhaps the '70's or '80's.  I don't know why.  Perhaps it's the orange and white stripes stretching to new possibilities while still honoring the past.  Perhaps it's the pretty star from the song "When You Wish Upon a Star".

2) South Africa.  I actually do know a little of the history of their colorful flag.  Of course all the different colors represent different things, but my favorite thing about their flag is the peace sign.  When you turn the flag upright it makes a peace sign.  This country has fought for peace and unity for so long and they put it in their flag.  Beautiful flag, beautiful message, and beautiful people.

3) Guam.  Guam's just keeping it simple and keeping it real.  They don't like any guess work, they're just straight up.  I'm into that.

4) Isle of Man. What's better than two legs? Three.  These people get that and they want you to know they get it.  So they put it on their flag.  I'm certain this has a fascinating story, but I kinda just like for my imagination to work a little.

5) Kiribati.  Again, another place I have no clue about, but I still like their flag.  I feel like their flag tells a story and that they appreciate the beach with a good sunset.  I dig the wavy lines (I'm assuming those are the ocean/sea), but mostly like the flying bird.  It's a nice touch.

6) Nepal.  Those bunch of rebels.  I am intrigued by their flag, because it doesn't have a traditional rectangular shape.  Perhaps they're conservationalists and figured they shouldn't use up all that fabric if they can make a statement and represent their country with less.  Perhaps that shape has a sacred meaning.  I'm not sure.  But I like it.

7) Gibraltar. I didn't know this place actually existed outside of that prison off of California.  But it does and judging by their flag, they're pretty fancy people.  I mean, they have a palace on their flag.

8) Christmas Island. There is a place in the world where it is Christmas everyday.  A place so majestic has to have an equally majestic flag.  Their flag is a lot to look at, but I like it.  It has a nice color scheme and some meaningful stuff on it.  They should be very proud of their flag, it's quite lovely.

9) Japan and Palau. I put these together because they have the same theme.  They both like to keep it simple, nothing flashy.  This likely means they are secure in their countrydom and don't need to prove it to anyone.  

10) Libya.  Libyans just want to keep the mystery alive.  What's great about Libya?  Come see.  What are they proud of about their country?  Come and see.  What're their natural resources?  Come see.  Well played Libya.  I am intrigued.

11) Turkmenistan. I mostly like this one because of the pretty stripe on the left.  I don't know if the (what I'm calling) designs mean anything, but they certainly are lovely.  The decorative stripe would be a very nice tapestry or table runner.

Well, those are the ones that have intrigued me today.  There are many others that I find to be interesting/attractive, but there's not time enough for that.  These flags represent a people, a country, a history and no matter how different they are, we all have one huge thing in common.  We are all people and we deserve love and respect.