ICV 25 Speakers - Day 2

#7: Scot Guenter of the United States of America

Revitalized Flag Magic: Flag Retirement Rituals and the Power of Talismans


Flag use in sports and rituals were discussed.  Scot noted use of flag during funerals and flag day.  He also pointed out that burning the flag after its use is a "Patriotic Duty."  Burning in this fashion was previously private before 1942, but became a public spectacle afterwards.  Guenter also stated that, "the [US]war on terror will never end."



#8: Tiago Jose Berg of Brazil
Geography and Vexillology: Landscapes in the Flags 

Tiago pointed out that Ukraine is key example of a flag that reflects land with sky, as the blue part is sky and yellow refers to the land. 



#9: Amy Langston of the United States of America
The Truth in our Stars: The Symbolism behind their Use in Flags

Why are there stars on flags?  According the Langston because of their versatility, aesthetic appeal, and symbolism.  She noted that red stars didn't always symbolize communism, as is the case with Panama and Tunisia



#10: Sekhar Chakrabarti of India
The Ancient Symbol of Swastika: Its Distortion, Uses and Misuses

Sekhar noted that the Swastika is an ancient religious symbol from India and Nazi Gemany's use of it is unacceptable.  The Swastika is a symbol of good fortune and luck.  He noted that Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu faiths recognize this faith as something positive and truly a sacred symbol.




#11: KV Singh of India
Ancient and Epic Flags of India 

Singh mentions that flags are mentioned in the Rig Veda.  Probably composed of the triangular pennant style.  He noted that blue represents inner energy.  Singh also noticed that flags give a spirit of aliveness as can be seen with the Olympic Flag, espeically when it is lowered and rises for the Olympic Games.  He also noted that lowering flag at night or dusk is done so that the flag is not exposed to the dark forces of the night.



#12: Xing Fei of China
The Study of Vexillology in China

Fei reminded us that China has a long history of flags.  He described in detail the flags of Manchu from 1630 to 1911. 




#13: Zhao Xinfeng
Initial Study of Chinese Flag Culture

Xinfeng spoke in Chinese with the accompaniment of language translator.  Xinfeng discussed the origins of the Chinese character which dated to 2000BC.  He noted the oldest record of a flag in China dated to the "Rites of Zhou" which was a ceremonial flag.  Zhao also stated that flags were used in commerical situations for selling goods.  He also showed us the Kanji for streamer.  


#14: Marcel van Westerhoven
Flags of Princely States in the Dutch East Indies 

Westernhoven noted that the Dutch East Indies, mostly Indonesia, was similar to British Colonization of India.  Marcel stated the colonization was rather slow and colonizes often meddled with internal politcs to gain advantage, played natives against each other.  About 280 'independent states' were affected with Dutch Colonizers.  Westerhoven also spoke about the Garuda "Birdman" and buddhist colours of red, white, blue, and black.  He also noted there were ten kingdoms in Bali when the Dutch arrived.