Flag Day

History of Flags

Historically, flags were used in war, to provide direction and to signal attacks. The first type of flags was vexilloid which were similar to flags, but were heavier in weight and more difficult to carry. Vexilloids evolved into lighter materials and were made of silk. Using silk made the flags easier to carry and raise and were visible from much future distances. The use of fabric flags started in China with the use of silk and then was adopted throughout other parts of the world including Korea, Mongolia, Japan, India, Persia, Ancient Greece, Roman and Europe.

The symbols and actual designs of flags have also changed over time. First, it started in the Roman empire with symbols to represent the emblem of Roman with an eagle that would be raised during war to signal certain actions by the military.

Later during the Middle Ages, flags were flown with other symbols to represent the classes in society and religious affiliations. Flags also represented kings and kingdoms including the kings and knights in Europe, the samurai in Japan, imperial armies in China, and the Aztecs in Mexico.

As Europe centralized control and military forces, flags were used to identify alliances, nationalities, and the military. Once a flag was captured in battle, it signaled the loss of control by that government or military.

Over time, flags was used more to represent national unity rather than as a functional part of war. More countries saw the value of creating a “rallying” banner to symbolize national strength, unity, and pride. There are some flags that inspired the use and adoption of national flags for many other countries:

* Denmark flag has inspired the national flag of: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and regional flags for the Faroe Islands, Ĺland, Scania and Bornholm.

* The United Kingdom Union Flag (Union Jack) has influenced the flag of all British colonies including that of: Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Tuvalu, and also the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia.

* The flag of Netherlands is the oldest tricolored flag as it was used since 1572. Many other countries have since adopted the tricolored design including France, Mexico, Italy, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ireland, Haiti, and Romania.

* The American Flag is also referred to as The Stars and Stripes or Old Glory. While it drew inspiration from France, the American flag has inspired the flag of many other countries including Liberia, Chile, Malaysia, and Uruguay.

1531 marked the year that the Francisco Pizarro and other Spanish conquistadors invaded the Incan empire, which controlled Ecuador. Leading up to the Spanish invasion, the Incan empire had endured an extended civil war making them vulnerable for attack. The Spanish with their intent to conquer were able to do so after capturing Atahualpa during the Battle of Cajamarca (1532), and holding him for ransom. While the Incans offered one room with gold and two with silver the Spanish executed Atahualpa marking their control over Ecuador. During this time, no international flag or national flag was flown

Spain had colonized Ecuador for nearly 300 years. During Spain’s occupation of Ecuador, Quito, the capital of Ecuador served as the administration district for Spain into Latin America. On August 10, 1809, the inhabitants of Ecuador declared independence from Spain; this was the first call for independence for all of Latin America. With waving flags, the cry for independence was heard and has been observed. August 10 is a national holiday with its national flag, the flag of Ecuador being flown. Quito, the capital of Ecuador is commonly referred to as "Luz de América" ("Light of America") as it was the inspiration for the rest of Spanish America.