Flags at Burns Night

Details
Hits: 38192

During the Burns Supper the Band often displays a number of flags.  Not everyone is familiar with all of the flags.  

Of course we all know of the current national flag of Canada since 1965. 

The Union Jack: a red cross over combined red and white saltires, all with white borders, over a dark blue background.

The Royal Union Flag (often called the Union Jack - flown from the jackstaff of a ship at anchor or in port) incorporates the flags of Scotland, England and Ireland - representing the three kingdoms.  Wales is a principality.  It was adopted in 1805.  Some Canadians may not recognize the Irish asymmetric cross (saltire), but that is the Irish cross.  Prior to 1805 it did not exist and the flag just had the Cross of St. Andrew and the Cross of St. George on it.  Canadians might recognize it as the flag of the United Empire Loyalists - those living in the 13 Colonies that left because they remained loyal to the Crown or perhaps refused to side with the American rebels in the War of the American Rebellion (sometimes called the "American War of Independence" or the "American Revolution").  That flag was used from about 1606 (union of the Crowns - the Stuarts...) to 1707 (Act of Union).  

Saltire with navy blue field

The Saltire is the national flag of Scotland. It is flown from Scottish Government buildings, corporate headquarters and by private individuals without armorial bearings.  Its origins can be traced to about the 15th Century.  

 

A very distinctive flag is the Lion Rampant of Scotland, also known as the Royal Banner of Scotland.  This flag is used only by a few Great Officers of State who represent the Sovereign in Scotland.  It is commonly flown on royal residences in Scotland when the Sovereign is not present.  It is, for all intents and purposes. the flag of the Sovereign.  Interestingly, that flag is present in the Arms of Canada.  The flag has been in use since 1222.