I'm still on my low-tech kick over here, so let's talk today about an item that, in various permutations, has been used for thousands of years and probably will be used for thousands more. Allow me to present the humble rectangle flag. We've all encountered one, in more places than we realize until we stop and actually think about it. Schools, state offices, and personal residences often have the country's flag hanging outside while more personalized versions can be found adorning businesses. This is especially noticeable in suburban commercial areas, where many stores will have a rectangle flag or banner set up outside their building or parking lots, lining the streets with pennants in every color of the rainbow. And given the sizes that these flags are usually found in, they're kind of hard to miss.
We encounter them all the time as driving towards the main shopping centers in our respective areas, boldly proclaiming their various messages (usually about a sale that's going on). It's this prevalence, as well as my desire for things a little old fashioned lately, that spurred on this article. So buckle yourself in as I present the following facts about rectangle flags, sprinkled with a few additional tidbits about how these modern promotional flags are following in the traditions of the classics as well.
First ever-made flag
The first flags and banners were created to help militaries coordinate what was happening down on the battlefield. Over time, these message flags ended up evolving into the flags that we see today representing states, countries, corporations, and more. Rectangle flags are still used for signaling to various degrees as well, especially in maritime situations. Prior to the 18th century, country flags were primarily naval or military territory only, most people didn't have them decorating their homes. Now, you'll see the country flag on the outside of a store without any hesitation, and there's a good chance a customized flag with the store's logo will be placed nearby as well.
Oldest flag
Rectangle is the oldest flag shape design that's still being used consistently today in many parts of the world.
Material
Rectangle flags are made up of heavy-duty fabrics like polyester, nylon, and silk, or any other synthetic fabric due to their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Printing
Graphics printed by using UV resistant ink on the substrate do not fade, crack or peel due to long term exposure to sunrays, dust, heat, or moisture.
Many uses
Rectangle flags are mostly used for identification purposes, symbolizing a building, event, business, or protest.
Conclusion
From everything I've discovered, one of the primary features of rectangle flags throughout the centuries has been to get attention from people. They were used that way on the battlefield, and now they're used for that same purpose outside a shopping mall - a different sort of battlefield, really, but oddly similar. And, although times have passed and the designs have changed to match, this simple effectiveness is why we keep coming back to promotional flags time and time again.
