Folding the Canadian flag?

[EagleJCS]

I have never even stopped to consider that other nations might fold their flags differently. I just assumed that the "triangle fold" waas standard procedure for a national flag regardless of nation of origin.

How enlightening.

As far as I know, the 'triangle fold' is unique to the US. Most other countries simply do a rectangular fold for their national ensign (which is perfectly acceptable for the US flag as well, if you don't know how to do the triangular fold). You can look up 'vexillology' ("the study of flags", Merriam-Webster online) to find out more.

The US is also one of the few countries to consider the flag 'a living thing', as it represents a living country, and therefore it is to be treated with respect. (Not that US citizens got/understood the message in their civics/social studies classes, which is why we see folks wearing US flags draped over their shoulders, clothing with US flag patterns, napkins & other disposable objects with US flag iconography, etc., which are technically illegal, but not punishable. Yes, this is a bug-a-boo of mine ... See the US flag code - United States Code, Title 4 Chapter 1 - for more. The US flag code only applies within the US & its territories, so other countries can still do as they please.)

Many other countries consider the flag (any flag) as simply another piece of cloth and treat it as such.


Apologies to David for the partial highjack...

[EagleJCS]

Double post...

[Pleater]

I was taught to fold a large flag first along the length accordion fashion getting both the attachments on the same edge, then smooth it into a strip and fold it, again accordion fashion, then wrap the folds around the reinforced edge and poke it into the storage hole with the attachments poking out over the edge - this was aboard a yacht so it was important to do it the same way every time.

My mother in law was sent the large one sided flag used at the funeral of her brother, to which she sewed extra loops and then hoisted it as a sun shade during all the following Summers she spent at the house. This might seem disrespectful, but she was actually very fond of it and kept it carefully - I have it now and do actually haul it out on the 4th of July to give it an airing and check that all is well with it.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Geoff Withnell]

I am going to throw this in, because I have seen it done incorrectly at so many Games and Renfairs. When flying the flags of more than one nation, they all go at the same level! In peacetime, the flag of one nation does not fly above the flag of another, at least according the the US Flag code. In the US, the Stars and Stripes would go to the flag's right, or centered in front, but NOT higher.

[CDNSushi]

Ask, and ye shall receive.

Process for the Ceremonial Folding of the National Flag of Canada

The Flag should be held taut in an outstretched manner. Although the preferred and easier way of folding the flag is done with 8 persons the same process can be accomplished with 6 persons should a formal Flag-folding ceremony required. The individuals face each other as illustrated.

Step 1: Persons 2, 4, 6 and 8 stand fast holding the flag taut. Persons 1, 3, 5 and 7 initiate the first movement by passing the sewn edge under to their facing colleagues. On the words of command PREPARE TO FOLD – FOLD persons 2 and 8 will slide their right and left hands respectively toward the centre outer edge of the flag, simultaneously sliding their left and right hand and grasping the corners of the flag. Persons 1, 3, 5 and 7 grasp the flag along the folded edge (what is normally the centre of the flag) ensuring the flag remains taut.

Step 2: The fold in step 1 is repeated, resulting in a quarter of the flag in full length (the tip of the maple leaf shall be facing up).

Step 3: On the words of command PREPARE TO FOLD – FOLD persons 7 and 8 bring their end forward in an upward motion to persons 5 and 6. This fold is done over the hands of the others. Persons 3, 4, 5 and 6 guide the flag and ensure it remains taut. Persons 7 and 8 step back and remain at attention in their original positions.

Step 4: On the words of command PREPARE TO FOLD – FOLD the fold in step 3 is repeated and persons 5 and 6 step back.

Step 5: On the words of command PREPARE TO FOLD – FOLD persons 3 and 4 fold the flag under holding it taut persons 3 and 4 step back.

Step 6: On the words of command PREPARE TO FOLD – FOLD persons 1 and 2 fold the flag over holding it taut, resulting in the final form ready for presentation.



Source: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-.../index-eng.asp

Video of how it's done:

[TheOfficialBren]

- I have it now and do actually haul it out on the 4th of July to give it an airing and check that all is well with it.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

Anne, forgive me if this is too personal, and if so then, I apologise sincerely, but why on the 4th of July?

[David Thorpe]

Thanks, Colin. I had seen the diagram, but the video is very helpful (and moving).

[CDNSushi]

No worries. (But I'm not Colin).

Yes, the video is moving indeed.

For your purposes, since you stated that it was a formal thing, I think you could simply just adopt the technique without the ceremony, and it would be acceptable.

[David Thorpe]

No worries. (But I'm not Colin).

Yes, the video is moving indeed.

For your purposes, since you stated that it was a formal thing, I think you could simply just adopt the technique without the ceremony, and it would be acceptable.

Doh! Apologies. And thanks, again.

[Pleater]

Anne, forgive me if this is too personal, and if so then, I apologise sincerely, but why on the 4th of July?

Oh - not at all - the flag is the Stars and Bars - and as the day is usually sunny and warm the flag gets to either air or dry out after washing in the shade of the apple trees.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: