The United States flag, like most of the flags that we find scattered all over the planet, it has a special significance because its design has a lot to do with the values and ideology that the country itself wants to reflect. This flag is also known as “Stripes and Stars”, “Old Glory” and “Starry” and not only represents the government of the country but also the ideology on which American society is founded. In this OneHowTo article we will explain what is the meaning of the United States flag so that you can understand all the elements that are found in it and that have made it one of the most revered symbols in the United States.
History about the US flag
No one knows for sure what the real origin of the United States flag but it is speculated that the primary designer of it was Francis Hopkinson who, together with the seamstress Betsy Ross, created the first American flag. The design that it had to have was resolved in a congress held in June 1777 when it was established that said flag had to contain:
- 13 red and white stripes that were alternately
- 13 white stars on a blue background
The number 13 arises from the fact that, at that time, in the United States there were 13 colonies that wanted to become independent from Great Britain and, therefore, they created this symbol that determined them as a homeland other than the English one. On June 14, 1777, this design was approved and, since then, this was the day that is known to this day as “Flag Day”.
The meaning of the United States flag
But currently, surely you have noticed that the flag of the United States contains more than 13 stars in the box that we find in the upper left, right? This is because of the 13 original states, over time, they have been increasing and there are more and more, for this reason, they have been incorporated into the flag with the star symbol.
However, the 13 red and white stripes are still in the center of the flag to reflect the original 13 colonies. Of course, in the upper part we see how there are 50 white stars on the navy blue since, currently, the USA has fifty states. In OneHowTo we discover the states of the United States as well as their capitals.
But what about the usa flag color? They also have an associated symbolism, they have not been chosen for their own sake. Below we will discover what each everything that we find in this flag refers to:
- White – Represents the purity and innocence of the American people
- Red: it is the color that reflects the courage and value that the country has
- Blue: this color is the symbol of justice and perseverance
Code of respect for the flag
Now that you know what is the meaning of the United States flag You will understand how important it is for the inhabitants of that country because of what it represents and its relationship with the homeland and the ideals of justice, democracy and unity that they defend.
For this reason, there is a code of respect concrete that is stipulated among all North Americans and that has rigid rules of conduct that must be followed to the letter:
- The flag should never be thrown over anything or anyone
- It should always be hoisted upright since if it is done backwards it is only to indicate that there are problems
- It should never be used even on a table if as if they were curtains. It is also not used to decorate since, for this, there are already striped banners
- They should not be used for advertising or placed on household items such as cushions, napkins, etc.
- They cannot be part of any clothing, except for official positions
- It cannot be altered with different messages or designs that tarnish its essential symbology
- It should always be placed on the right and, in the case of being next to other flags, the US flag should be in the center and raised above the others.
- When they are placed at half mast it is because there is an official mourning decreed by the government
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