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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. 

Geoff Parsons - ICV 25: Sixth Speaker

British Maritime Flags: Naval Flags Flown in Portsmouth Naval Base

Parsons discussed Portsmouth, which is where much of the UK Navy is serviced.  Parsons presented an overview of British flags discussing the red, white, and blue types of ensigns.  He also noted that the Royal Yacht Squadron can fly the white ensign.  He also showed great red flag of the HMS Warrior 1860 Red Ensign. 

Another flag of interest was the "UK Out of Order" flag which has red and white vertical stripes. 

Dominique Cureau - ICV 25: Fifth Speaker

House Flags of French Shipping Companies

Cureau gave his entire presentation in French.  Cureau also gave a brief review of international flags.  

 

Ralph Kelly - ICV 25: Fourth Speaker

Colonial Signal Flag of Port Jackson 

Ralph Kelly from Australia gave an insightful presentation signal flag evolution at Port Jackson, Australia.  Port Jackson is a part of Sydney waterway.  Ralph asserts that Nicholson's chart was foundational to vexillology.  As communication was lacking in the colonial period, flags were used as signals for the community to detail the composition of ships in Port Jackson.  Kelly showed that evolution of the code signals, eventually it was used to indicate weather as well.  An important place was Ft. Philip as a key signal station. 

 

Art Ness Proano Gaibor - ICV 25: Thrid Speaker

Hidden History behind the Colorants of Banners 

Art Proano is research analyst from the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency.  Proano is a well spoken researcher on fabrics and analysis of dyes.   He pointed out that restoration techniques to antique flags are often more harmful than beneficial.




Link to Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency
http://culturalheritageagency.nl/en

Art Ness Proano Gaibor's Youtube Site
https://www.youtube.com/user/aerocyclope/videos?shelf_id=4&sort=dd&view=0









 

photo credit: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/artnessproanogaibor 

ICV 25 Speakers - Day 1

#1: John Cartledge of the UK 
Flags and Emblems of the British Republic 1649-1660

The second speaker at the 25th International Congress of Vexillology was John Cartledge of the UK Flag Institute.  Cartledge informed us that James I restricted use of flags for the Navy of certain orders.  The badge of Commonwealth was shown, which was used during the first 'Kingless-Queenless' period when British Congress (Parliament) executed the King more than 100 years before the colonial rebellion of 1776 in the Americas.  The UK Commonwealth flag had an English flag on the hoist and the field was blue with a yellow harp as its badge. 

#2: Art Ness Proano Gaibor
Hidden History behind the Colorants of Banners 

Art Proano is research analyst from the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency.  Proano is a well spoken researcher on fabrics and analysis of dyes.   He pointed out that restoration techniques to antique flags are often more harmful than beneficial.




Link to Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency
http://culturalheritageagency.nl/en

Art Ness Proano Gaibor's Youtube Site
https://www.youtube.com/user/aerocyclope/videos?shelf_id=4&sort=dd&view=0









 
photo credit: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/artnessproanogaibor 



#3: Ralph Kelly 
Colonial Signal Flags of Port Jackson

Ralph Kelly from Australia gave an insightful presentation signal flag evolution at Port Jackson, Australia.  Port Jackson is a part of Sydney waterway.  Ralph asserts that Nicholson's chart was foundational to vexillology.  As communication was lacking in the colonial period, flags were used as signals for the community to detail the composition of ships in Port Jackson.  Kelly showed that evolution of the code signals, eventually it was used to indicate weather as well.  An important place was Ft. Philip as a key signal station. 

#4: Dominique Cureau
House Flags of French Shipping Companies

Cureau gave his entire presentation in French.  Cureau also gave a brief review of international flags.  

#5: Geoff Parsons
British Maritime Flags: Naval Flags Flown in Portsmouth Naval Base

Parsons discussed Portsmouth, which is where much of the UK Navy is serviced.  Parsons presented an overview of British flags discussing the red, white, and blue types of ensigns.  He also noted that the Royal Yacht Squadron can fly the white ensign.  He also showed great red flag of the HMS Warrior 1860 Red Ensign. Another flag of interest was the "UK Out of Order" flag which has red and white vertical stripes.
 

#6: Annie Platoff
A Shuttle Full of Flags: Use of Flags in the Space Shuttle Program 
 
 Platoff noted that US flags were put on hardware as well as uniforms.  Flags are to be put on the left sleeve and backpack.  Annie also reviewed the mission patches of US spaceflight.   She noted that NASA often flew mini flags and mounted flags on certificatetes.