flags
September 24th 2008 04:46
Flags are generally pretty boring. Certainly National flags are. There are exceptions to the rule, but the usual striped colours are dull to look at. I guess they need to be easily recognised from a distance. Personally the Jolly Roger has always been my pick o’ the bunch, but it’s a rogue naval flag that represents pirates, not a representative cultural icon for a country.
If it’s not two or three bands of colours, then it’s a scattering of stars, or a coat of arms, or a mascot of some description. Where’s the real artistry? They’re nothing to write home about. I suppose there’s some clause on some ancient papyrus that states the “rules of a national flag’s design”. But as I said, there are exceptions to the rule. But not many.
So here is selection of current National flags from around the world that I find pleasing to my style of eye. There’s no xenophobic prejudice here, this is purely based on what I find a cool and attractive combination of colour, line and pattern.
Some of these flags I've liked since I was a boy. I've always found the combination of Germany's black/red/yellow very appealing. The Stars and Stripes have always looked good too. As has Japan's rising sun and Canada's maple leaf. But my favourites would have to be Albania's black coat of arms and Montenegro's golden coat of arms, both in a sea of red (Seems red is the prevalent colour for flags). I really like the juxtaposed lines of Greece's cross and stripes and the Mediterranean-esque colour. I like the dragons of Wales and Bhutan. Of course, one can't forget Nepal's outside the square design. Hats off to them for being so unique, it's a shame the flag is not recognised, so in essence it's inclusion here is a little controversial. But hey, I always root for the underdog!
If it’s not two or three bands of colours, then it’s a scattering of stars, or a coat of arms, or a mascot of some description. Where’s the real artistry? They’re nothing to write home about. I suppose there’s some clause on some ancient papyrus that states the “rules of a national flag’s design”. But as I said, there are exceptions to the rule. But not many.
So here is selection of current National flags from around the world that I find pleasing to my style of eye. There’s no xenophobic prejudice here, this is purely based on what I find a cool and attractive combination of colour, line and pattern.
Some of these flags I've liked since I was a boy. I've always found the combination of Germany's black/red/yellow very appealing. The Stars and Stripes have always looked good too. As has Japan's rising sun and Canada's maple leaf. But my favourites would have to be Albania's black coat of arms and Montenegro's golden coat of arms, both in a sea of red (Seems red is the prevalent colour for flags). I really like the juxtaposed lines of Greece's cross and stripes and the Mediterranean-esque colour. I like the dragons of Wales and Bhutan. Of course, one can't forget Nepal's outside the square design. Hats off to them for being so unique, it's a shame the flag is not recognised, so in essence it's inclusion here is a little controversial. But hey, I always root for the underdog!
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