Author: Ethan L. MacDonald, FSA Scot
Illustration above: (A) Banners, (B) Standard, (C) Guidon, (D) Pennons/Lance Pennons (E) Streamer (Naval Standard), (F) Gonfalon
Introduction to Heraldic Flags
Flags are used today to identify all manner of things; from countries, to states, to movements and more, flags are a rallying point for those who follow them. While flags have been around for over two thousand years, modern flags have taken most of their inspiration from medieval heraldic flags. Today we, as members of the Scottish Diaspora, often encounter many of the modern equivalents to these earlier designs at highland games and clan gatherings. Many today use the term ‘standard’ to describe a regular rectangular flag, usually in regard to a flag representing an individual. This is a misnomer, and to show this I am going to briefly explain the origins of the five most common heraldic flags you may encounter. These are: the banner, the carrying flag, the standard, the guidon, and the pennon. These can be broken into two groups; banners and standards. The fast test to determine which group a flag fits in is as follows; if it is rectangular, it is a banner, if it is tapered, it is a standard.
Understanding Banners and Standards
Please see the annotated illustration for identification of the various flags. Banners denote a person’s presence while standards are rallying flags. A banner (also called a personal banner) is a square flag of varying size, normally around three-foot square, and shows only the individual’s coat of arms. Carrying flags are simply larger (and often rectangular) personal banners, meant for carrying in processions. In both instances they denote a person’s presence. A banner should not be displayed unless the individual is present (like how the Queen’s Banner is not flown over a palace when she is not present). For when a rallying flag is needed but the individual is not present there exists a variety of other flags for their followers. These are the Standards, of which there are three main kinds: the standard, the guidon, and the pennon. The standard is roughly 2-3 feet tall and roughly 4-6 yards in length and is used as a headquarters flag. The guidon and pennon are simply shortened versions of the standard, with the guidon being eight or so feet in length and the pennon being around four. All three have either the saltire or the owners’ arms in hoist (the side nearest the pole), with the tail displaying the badges and motto of the owner on a varied background of their liveries.
Exploring Flags at Highland Games
So the next time you are out and about at a games and you see an odd looking flag, take a few moments to check it out; you may find a cool bit of history or heraldry you weren’t expecting to see. If you’d like to learn more, a copy of ‘Heraldic Standards’ by Robert Gayre is a great resource on the subject.
