Howdy, new from Vancouver, BC, Canada.

[macwilkin]

My avatar is the Northern Ireland flag. Its been banned since the 70's, though, as its considered a sign of the protestant loyalist community (my great grandfather came here from Armagh)

- 6 pointed star represents the 6 counties in the country
- Crown represents the monarchy
- The background is St. George's Cross (English flag)
- Red Hand of Ulster (since Northern Ireland occupies most of the Province of Ulster on the island).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulster_Banner

I've never read of the flag being "banned" per se, just that it does not have any official status of the flag of Northern Ireland.

BTW, there is another flag, which is sometimes referred to as the "Ulster-Scots" flag; a red saltire, combining the Crosses of St. Patrick & Andrew, with the six-pointed star and Red Hand of Ulster.

The St. Patrick's Cross is also making a comback in NI as well.

Regards,

Todd