Flags in Grief: Flags at Half-Mast, Flag Draped Caskets and Funeral Cortege

Flags in Grief: 
Flags at Half-Mast, Flag draped Caskets & Funeral Cortege.

Flag at Half-Mast or Half-Staff

The origin of the custom of lowering a flag at ‘half-mast’ to indicate mourning is a little unclear. Its observance appears to date back to the sixteenth century, as a custom of the sea, which has spread to the land and became universal. A sailors superstition perhaps, the flag of mourning is flown at half-mast to leave space for death’s imaginary flag to be flown above it.  It is a sign that death has conquered, and that the invisible flag of the death is flying over the lowered colours of the vanquished. The half-staff tradition has developed important meaning over time.

The earliest record we have of the lowering of a flag to signify a death was an occasion in 1612, when the Master of the 'Hearts Ease', William Hall, was murdered by Eskimos while taking part in an expedition in search of the North West Passage. On rejoining her consort, the vessel's flag was flown trailing over the stern as a mark of mourning. On her return to London, the 'Hearts Ease' again flew her flag over the stern and it was recognised as an appropriate gesture of mourning.

World's First stamps showing a Flag at Half-Mast: Burma 1948
     Issued to commemorate the anniversary of the assassination of Burma's leaders      in the fight for independence.

In the United States, the earliest reference to half-staff, or half-mast, occurred in 1799. All Navy vessels were ordered by the Navy Department to fly the American flag at half-mast when George Washington died. 

Photo Courtesy: Oded Deutch, Israel

A further sign of mourning is to attach black ribbons tied as a bow to the top of the flag. If mourning is to be observed in a parade or procession, where a flag is carried, two streamers of black crepe are attached to the spearhead, allowing the streamers to fall naturally. The use of black crepe in such a manner shall only be by an order of the government.

Flag Code of India stipulates ‘Half-mast is meant hauling down the Flag to one-half the distance between the top and guy-line and in absence of the guy-line, half of the staff’. To achieve this position the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then slowly lowered to the half-mast position, but before lowering the Flag for the day, it shall be raised again to the peak. 

 Here is a selection of Postage Stamps showing Flags at Half-Mast from across the World.

Flag Draped Caskets

At the time of mourning Flags are draped over the coffins of national heroes. The association of flags with funerals began centuries ago when caskets of Royalty was decorated with symbols of authority.

Guarding Nelson’s Body

Lord Nelson (1758 – 1805) English naval commander who died during the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) in the Napoleonic Wars. 

Perhaps, World's First Stamp Depicting Funeral Scene is on Atahualpa: Peru 1918

Funeral Scene, Timisoara Uprising, Romania 1989.

In the post-independence India, the first National State Mourning was observed when Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation died on January 30, 1948.

New Delhi 31 the most immediate the most immediate His Highness Nawab Balasinor. Government of India regret Mahatma Gandhi was victim of shooting outrage. Gandhiji expired yesterday evening.  Cremation will take place Saturday 4 P.M. Prime minister has broadcast Saturday 31st be observed as day of fasting and prayer suggest offices should close entirely and flags half mast from sunrise =

Funeral Cortege

“cortege” is the procession when the coffin is transported to or from the ceremony - and this is done “in style”, with a elegant hearse (car or horse-wagon) and some cars with the family and guests following (or the guests might also be walking by foot).

In State funerals in the United States, a Caisson (a two-wheeled ammunition wagon), is used in place of a gun-carriage.

Funéral of Charles de Gaulle; November 1, 1970

US Flag and the Tenth anniversary of 9/11 (September 11) attack

The September 11 attacks or 9/11, were a series of four coordinated suicide attacks against targets in New York City and the Washington, D.C. area on September 11, 2001. We may now look back and glance through the philatelic tributes to the heroes of 9/11 attacks and say aloud "no more terrorism', enough is enough.

 The United States Postal Service issued a new semi-postal stamp, honoring the heroes of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. "We ask every American to use the Heroes of 2001 stamp on every letter and package they send. Because by doing this, we are also sending a message to our friends and a stark reminder to our enemies: We are Americans. We do not shirk our duty. We do not flee from danger. And we do not forget our heroes," said Postmaster General John E. Potter at the first day of issue ceremony held in Battery Park, a location neighboring the vacant site where the World Trade Center once stood. In his speech Potter urged Americans to follow the lead of the Sept. 11 heroes. "Some of us may be tempted to trust a little less ... Rather, I encourage you to look to the example of the heroes of 2001, and instead to trust a little more."
New York Gov., George E. Pataki, who was among those joining Potter in the stamp's dedication, expressed his gratitude to the Postal Service. "Making this stamp available to all Americans is a fitting way to remember the heroic people that died on that terrible day in September while at the same time it will provide additional support for the family members who lost their loved ones," said Pataki. "I want to thank the Postal Service, whose employees have shown great courage in the face of bioterror threats, for honoring our fellow Americans and delivering the message that we will move forward, but we will never forget."
The Heroes of 2001 stamp was designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, D.C. It features a detail of the famous photograph taken by Thomas E. Franklin of three firefighters as they raised the U.S. flag at Ground Zero. The price of the stamp was 45 cents, and it is valid for postage at the First-Class one-ounce letter rate in effect at the time of purchase (then 34 cents). The difference between the sales price of the stamp and the postage consists of a tax-deductible contribution. The stamp's sales generated funds to provide assistance to the families of the emergency rescue workers who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty in connection with the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. 

 Firefighters and photographer are reunited at the stamp unveiling on 11 March 2002, six months after the Trade Center attack. Standing (from left) are Postmaster General Jack Potter, Firefighters William "Billy" Eisengrein and George Johnson, President George W. Bush, US Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), Firefighter Dan McWilliams, and Thomas E. Franklin. (White House photo)

 Flag over ground zero has disappeared.

The American flag that was raised by three firefighters over the  wreckage of the World Trade Center, one of the most enduring images of 11 September, has disappeared. After the flag was removed from the site during cleanup, the flag flew on US ships serving in Afghanistan. Then, in March, it was returned to New York City officials. But the flag  that city officials preserved measures 1.5 - 2.4 metres. The flag the firefighters raised measured 1.2 - 1.8 metres, according to its original owners.----- Associated Press (AP) reported on September 5, 2002

 Non US commemorative stamps of 9/11. 

Several countries have issued 9/11 stamps to show solidarity with the U.S. include Israel, Mongolia, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, Lesotho, St. Vincent, The Marshall Islands, The Virgin Islands, Uganda and The Bahamas.The list is almost endless. Here are a few examples;

 Israel Jerusalem’s tribute to New York Trade Center victims

   "10th Memorial Anniversary September 11th",

Israel 2011, three personalized sheets in English depicting various sites and scenes of the World Trade Center, New York landmarks and the three American leaders involved with the post September 11th tragedy and reconstructions. These sheets were issued on the Flag generic sheet of 12 stamps and 12 labels along with the inscriptions "Always Remember Never Forget" in the side panels.

 Chad 2008: Miniature sheet of four stamps featuring different fire engines and an image of the World Trade Center towers after the September 11th attack in New York City.

 Guinea 2011: "Presidents of the United States" George W. Bush souvenir sheet depicting World Trade Center{Sept 11, 2001} & Iraq War.

 UNITED WE STAND

 World Trade Center before its destruction, Sharjah, 1964.

Animals on Flags

Fierce Animals on National flags signify “A country’s strength, its priority on defence and on occasions generosity too”. 
Amongst the animals depicted on flags, perhaps, the Lion is the most widely used animal symbol on flags. The Lion is regarded as the symbol of Authority & Command, Power & Dignity, Justice & Wisdom, Ferocity & Courage, and finally The Lion is also regarded as the king of beasts. 
 

 The flag of the Repùblica Vèneta or Repùblica de Venesia (Republic of Venice) - a state originating from the city of Venice in North-eastern Italy. It existed for over a millennium, from the late 7th century until 1797. It was formally known as the Most Serene Republic of Venice (Serenìsima Repùblica Vèneta) and is often referred to as La Serenissima.

 The winged Lion of St. Mark, which had appeared on the Republic's flag and coat of arms, is still featured in the red-yellow flag of the city of Venice (which has six tails, one for each sestier of the city), in the coat of arms of the city and in the yellow-red-blue flag of Veneto (which has seven tails representing the seven provinces of the region).

The winged lion also appears in the naval ensign of the Italian Republic, alongside the coat of arms of three other medieval Italian maritime republics (Genoa, Pisa and Amalfi), as well as the Golden Lion, awarded at the Venice Film Festival, and in the insignia of the Assicurazioni Generali insurance company.
St Mark, represented as a lion, is a typical Christian iconography derived from the prophetic visions contained in the verse of the Apocalypse of St John 4: 7. The lion is one of the four living creatures described in the book as a place around the throne of the Almighty and they are chosen as symbols of the four evangelists. These "beings" were previously described by the prophet Ezekiel.(Source: Wikipedia).

 

 Lion of Babylon on the Iranian (formerly Persia) Flag. It is claimed that the Lion and Sun Emblem has 8000 years old roots dating back to the very first Persian Civilization of Shush. According to legends, The lion was the symbol of the goddess Ishtar.

 Lion of Judah on former Ethiopian (Abyssinia) Flag which was also the symbol of Emperor Haile Selassie .

 Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) always placed the lion on her flags adopted from Sinhala Rajakiva Dhajya of the last king of Kandi. Lion on the Sri Lanka’s flag dates from 6th. century B.C. 

 India's National emblem, the Sarnath Lion -capital, a great master-piece of  3rd century BC plastic art, there are four lions mounted back to back .(Only three lions are visible, the fourth being hidden from view).The frieze of the abacus adorned with relief sculptures of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion. The Lion stands for Sakyasingha, the great roar of the lion heard when Buddha turned the "Wheel of Law" to preach to the world the great wisdom that he had dawned on him under the Bodhi tree.

 The lion, with such repute of its noble nature and having the position and title of king of the beasts, is one of the most common heraldic symbols in Europe.

 Hunydi family flag (15th. century), Hungary.

 The Red Lion in white background, symbolising León  

On occasion of the commemoration of the 1100 Anniversary of the Foundation of the Kingdom of León, issued within the Historic Events series of Spain, a souvenir sheet was launched illustrated with a map of the Iberian Peninsula from 910 and the borders of the kingdom of Leon. At the front appears a stamp in the shape of the banner of the crown of León with a passant lion. 

 Bulgaria places a golden lion rampant on the top white stripe

 Paraguay's flag has two different emblems on the obverse and reverse sides. On the reverse side of the Paraguay seal shows the lion on the sea guarding the Phrygian Cap symbolizes the defence of liberty.

 

 Several former British Colonies placed the British Lion (taken from the British Coat-of-Arms) on their flags.

 

 In 1929 H L Richardson of Wellington was appointed to design a new set of Duty (Revenue) stamps of New Zealand. His design incorporated the New Zealand's Coat of Arms. However, Richardson, depicted his own interpretation of the subject, which varied considerably from the version authorised by Royal Warrant in 1911. An error was also made in the design whereby the New Zealand flag is depicted instead of the Union Jack. 

 The British Lion and Chinese Dragon could be seen as the flanking supporters on the coat of arms emblazoned on the colonial Ensign of Hong Kong .

 The Dragon on Bhutan’s flag honours the people’s name of the country Druk-Yul (The land of the Thunder Dragon) .The flag is based upon the tradition of the Drupka lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. 

The first flag was made by Mayom Choying Wangpo Dorgi and was introduced in 1949 during the signing of the Indo-Bhutanese Treaty. 
The flag went many changes. The present flag was standardized in 1972. The wingless white dragon, in its claws the Dragon grasps jewels, standing for national wealth and the embrangling mouth of the Dragon represents the strength of the male and female deities, protecting the country.

 The Red Dragon “Y Ddraig Goch” Adorns Wales Flag. It was probably first used in 1401 by Owen Glendower.

  Tiger is another fierce animal and appeared on many flags representing powerful energy. In many Asian countries, the Tiger is considered the 'king of all beasts' (not the lion). 

 The ‘Springing tiger’ on the flag of the Indian National Army (INA) reflects the strength of the Indian people and their will to fight for freedom and for the country’s defence. The above never issued stamps were officially printed in 1943 at Reichsdruckerei, Berlin for the Nationales Indien (Indische Legion). 
(Note; These stamps were prepared for use in Free India but the plan failed due to set back of Azad Hind Army's campaign in the War)

 An Indian official stamp issued in 1968 to commemorate 25th. Anniversary of INA.

The flag of the federated Malaya States (1905-1946) represented the union of the four Malay states of  Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang in a federation as a protectorate under the British Crown. The flag was striped white over red over yellow over black. In the centre was a leaping Malayan tiger (Harimau Malaya). The coat-of-arms had two rampant tigers supporting the shield.

 Three Headed Elephant was the emblem of the erstwhile, Kingdom of Laos, the land of the Million Elephants (Muong Lan Xan Hom Khao)

 The black and white stripes of the flag symbolize the racial harmony of the Botswana’s Tswana people (formerly, British protectorate of Bechuanaland), as well as the pluralist nature of the society. The stripes are inspired by the ‘Zebra’, the national animal of Botswana. 

 The leopard's face on Bophuthatswana flag is symbolic of the authority necessary to lead the people to the development of their potential. Leopards are traditional symbols of authority for the Tswana people. The flag was taken into use on 19 April 1973 after the homeland achieved internal self-government on 01 June 1972. This flag is no longer in use.
Bophuthatswana was one of the "independent" homelands having been granted independence by South Africa in 1977. All the former South African Homelands/Bantustans ceased to exist as political entities in  1994 Bophuthatswana have been reincorporated into South Africa.    

 
The boar’s tusk in the black triangle of Vanuatu (formerly, New Hebrides) flag, symbolic of wealth and prosperity

 The California's state flag is based on a design dating from 1846, when California settlers declared independence from Mexico. The Grizzly Bear symbolizes strength. Snapshot art depicts a coastal area in central California Historic Bear Flag raised at Sonora in  1846, by a group of American settlers in revolt against Mexican rule. The flag was designed by William Todd. The star imitated the 'Lone Star' of Texas.  [Source: California Blue Book.]

The bear on the current flag of California was modeled on the last wild Californian grizzly bear in captivity. The bear, named "Monarch", was captured in 1889. The bear was subsequently moved to Woodwards Gardens in San Francisco, and then to the zoo at Golden Gate Park. After the bear's death in 1911, it was mounted and preserved at the Academy of Sciences at Golden Gate Park 

 An alpaca standing next to a tree and some wheat. The alpaca stands on a plain that contrasts with the mountain. The alpaca is the national animal of Bolivia, and the items next to it are symbolic of the resources of the nation. Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a domesticated species of South American Camelid. It resembles a small llama in appearance. 

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