Flag of Australia

The flag of Australia since 1901 is the official flag of Australia. He is dark blue and contains a Union Flag in the Canton to the lifting side. Further shows the flag a big seven-armed star known as the Commonwealth Star in the lower corner of the hoist side. The remaining half is a representation of the Southern Cross and contains white stars in varying sizes.

Like many countries that have been under British rule of origin, Australia has a system of different flags for use at sea (red, white and blue ensign). The war flag and the flagare derived from the national flag, with a red or white background instead of the blue color of the national flag (see also the article British banners ).



Content
[hide] *1 History  ==History[ Edit] == National Colonial Flag for AustraliaAustralian Federation FlagAustralia to 1901 was a collection of British colonies. The flag of the United Kingdom was used to symbolize the colonies together and each colony had its own flag that was based on the British flag (which flags are still mostly in use as flags of the Australian States).
 * 2 Symbolism
 * Design 3
 * 4 Flag instruction
 * 5 National Flag Day
 * 6 Centennial flag
 * 7 a possible new Australian flag
 * 7.1 Debate
 * 8 Other flags in Australia
 * 9 see also
 * 10 external links
 * 11 Notes

During the nineteenth century there were two attempts to come to a joint Australian flag. The first attempt was made in 1823 by the captains John Nicholson and John Bingle.Their design, the National Colonial Flag for Australia consisted of a red cross on a white field (based on the English flag) with the Union flag in the canton. In each arm of the cross was an eight-pointed star; the stars symbolized the constellation cross together and thus the location of Australia in the southern hemisphere. The use of this flag, let alone enter officially, received little support.

A more popular flag was designed in 1831, again by Nicholson. These so-called Australian Federation Flag resembled the National Colonial Flag for Australia, but showed a cross instead of a red and blue five instead of four stars. This flag would, during the seventy years after Nicholson presented the design, especially to the Australian East Coast commonly used.

After Australia had become a Federation in 1901, was a new national flag a design competition was held. The majority of the contributors had a flag with the Union Flag and the Southern Cross designed. Five almost identical participants won the match; their design is since 3 september 1901 the flag of Australia. In 1902 a simplified version of this flag was endorsed by King Edward VII.

The flag approved by the King of 1902 until mid-1908. TheCommonwealth Star has six points.From 1901 is the design slightly modified several times. In 1901 the five star on the right side had a different number of points, rising from five to nine. To producing the flag to make cheaper, was quickly decided to the four big stars on the right side seven points and the little star five. Another change was the left star. In 1901, the flag still six points, in 1908 a seventh point was added to the southern part of Papua New Guinea that was for Australia to symbolize heard.

During the first half of the twentieth century there was increasing uncertainty about the background color of the flag: this was blue, but a red version also existed. Traditionally, the blue version reserved for the Federal and State Government, while Gemenebestelijke, local and private organizations and individuals should use the Red version. Especially in theforties, the Australian Government, however, encourage citizens to use the blue version. In 1951 (formalised on 14 February 1954) was then decided that the blue flag is the national flag. ==Symbolism[ Edit] == <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The Australian flag uses three prominent symbols: the Union Flag (the British flag), the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross constellation. The British flag symbolizes according to many Australian history as a collection of British colonies, while a more historical approach States that the inclusion of the British flag in the Australian flag indicates loyalty to the British Empire.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-evans_1-0" len="185" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"> [1]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The five white stars at the end of the flag symbolize the constellation Crux. This constellation is the brightest constellation that is visible from the southern hemisphere. Each of these stars has seven points, except the smallest with five points.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The big star under the British flag is the star of the Commonwealth (Commonwealth Star) or Federation Star (Federation Star). This star symbolizes the Association of the British to Australia an independent Federation.This star has seven points, one for each of the six original and one for the other territories.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The blue color of the background of the Australian national flag symbolizes not only the British flag. This color also symbolizes the fact that Australia is an island nation and the trips that make people tired (s) to reach Australia. ==Design<span class="mw-editsection" len="341" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ Edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The current design is laid out in the 1953 Flags Act 1953through.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-flagsact_2-0" len="188" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"> [2]  this Act is since 14 February 1954 by force. Nevertheless, the Australian flag in about the current form already in use since the beginning of the 20th century (see history). The law of 1953 specifies the colors and construction details of the flag.

Construction drawing of the flag<p lang="en" len="334" style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">According to the Flags Act 1953, the Australian flag must meet the following requirements:<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-flagsact_2-1" len="188" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[2]

<p lang="en" len="113" style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The location of five stars to the right of the Union Flag and the Commonwealth Star is as follows:
 * the British flag must occupy one quarter of the flag, being the upper quarter to the lifting side;
 * There is a large white seven-pointed star in the middle of the lower quarter to the hoist side, where one of the seven points straight up points;
 * There are five white stars in the other half of the flag;
 * the altitude does with the length as 2: 3.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Although the colors of the flag are not recorded in the Flags Act, has laid down the flag now colors using the Pantonesystem.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3" len="179" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"> [3]  the Guide for authors, editors and printers also gives specifications according to CMYKand RGB, so the flag can also be printed and displayed on a screen.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-4" len="179" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"> [4] ==Flag Instruction<span class="mw-editsection" len="348" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ Edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == The Australian flag in the wind<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">There are no laws in Australia which give a flag instruction . However, gives the Government on an infrequent basis guidelines under the name The Australian National Flag.These guidelines state that the national flag can be used every day, as well as the flag of the Aborigines and the Torres Strait Islanders. The national flag should always hang on a more important position in Australia than any other flag and the flag should flutter can without limitation. The flag must be present in buildings of the Government and in elections and referenda also in polling stations.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-5" len="179" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"> [5]
 * Alpha Crucis – seven pointed star, right above the middle of the (viewed from the front) right half, on 1/6 of the top;
 * Beta Crucis – seven pointed star, from the middle of the (viewed from the front) right half a quarter to the left and 1/16 up;
 * Gamma Crucis – seven pointed star, right under the middle of the (viewed from the front) right half, on 1/6 of the bottom;
 * Delta Crucis – seven pointed star, from the middle of the right side (viewed from the front) 2/9 to the right and 31/240 up;
 * Epsilon Crucis five-pointed star, from the middle of the (viewed from the front) to the right and right half 1/10 1/24 down.

<p lang="en" len="299" style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The flag is hung at half mast (i.e. the height of one flag from the top of the flagpole) at the following occasions:

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The Australian flag may be used for commercial purposes without permission, as long as the flag is treated in a dignified manner, and design used on a recognizable way. The flag may not in commercial use partly disappear under objects, text or images.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-7" len="179" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"> [7]
 * at the death of the forest (between the disclosure of the death until the end of the funeral);
 * at the death of a member of the Royal family;
 * at the death of a (former) Governor General;
 * on the death of an important Australian (or an important local personality);
 * at the death of a head of State of a State with which Australia has diplomatic relations (on the day of the funeral);
 * on 25 april (Anzac Day) to twelve o'clock in the afternoon;
 * on 11 november (Remembrance Day), the flag at the top of the flagpole to 10.30 and from 10: 30 to 11: 30 am at half mast. The rest of the day hangs the flag again at the top<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-en.wikipedia.org_6-0" len="196" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[6] .

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">There are several attempts to criminalise violations of the Australian flag. In 1953 tried Arthur Calwell, leader of the then opposition, to no avail to criminalise violations of the flag. Michael Cobb did in 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992 a Bill, so that the violation would be punishable. However, any Bill was rejected.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-8" len="179" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"> [8]  In 2002, John Anderson one more attempt, at which he got a lot of support. It was, however, rejected. Prime Minister John Howard said that violating the flag "belonged to the freedom of expression in Australia"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9" len="179" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[9] ==National Flag Day<span class="mw-editsection" len="351" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ Edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">In 1996 Governor General William Deane decided to set up an annual National Flag Day on 3 september<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-10" len="181" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[10]. On this day in Sydney were all organized celebrations since 1984 flag. The festivities were initiated by thevexilloloog John Christian Vaughan. The goal was the adoption of the Australian flag to commemorate in 1901 .<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11" len="181" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"> [11]  The National Flag Day is not a day off, but overall is graced with festivities and ceremonies to which often also politicians and the Governor General participate<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-en.wikipedia.org_6-1" len="196" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[6] . . ==Centennial flag<span class="mw-editsection" len="352" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ Edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">On 3 september 2001, one hundred years after the adoption of the flag, the Australian national flag Association presented a flag to the Prime Minister. That flag would have to replace the original flag. The original flag is lost. The flag was not a replica of the original flag, on which the Commonwealth Star had only six points but looked just like the current Australian flag, on which the Commonwealth Star has seven points. The flag has a red band at the top with the inscription <p lang="en" len="9" style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Translated: <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The flag is now used as the official flag of the State during important events.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-12" len="181" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"> [12] ==A possible new Australian flag<span class="mw-editsection" len="371" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ Edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == ===Debate<span class="mw-editsection" len="339" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ Edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">As a result of the emergence of a Republican movement in Australia and the increased self-awareness of the Aborigines is a debate under way in which the question whether Australia should get a new flag. This debate led to some severe tensions, in particular during the period that preceded the 1988 Australian Bicentenary and Paul Keatingduring the whole time<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-en.wikipedia.org_6-2" len="196" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[6] .

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Supporters of a new flag which often worked together through the organization Ausflag, point out that the inclusion of the British flag in the private flag as a submission to the United Kingdom can be seen. Other arguments for changing the flag are:

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Opponents for using a different flag often work together with the Australian National Flag Association. They carry the following arguments:
 * the flag is not distinctive enough, since the British flag in the canton of many other flag State (the Australian flag is very similar to the flags of New Zealand and Victoria);
 * the flag depicts doesn't matter that Australia is an independent State; other Commonwealth countries such as Canada have a private flag design chosen;
 * related: the colours used in the flag red, white and blue are not the national colors of Australia (which are green and yellow/gold, the traditional heraldic colors are blue and yellow/gold);
 * by just a flag to symbolize British past, the anachronism; the flag does not show the pluralistic multicultural society of the country and also contains no Aborigines-elements;
 * related: often the Aborigines see the British flag as a symbol of oppression;
 * the flag is historically not the first symbol of the country and the blue variant is only since 1954 the official flag;
 * Although the flag was designed by Australians, the British Admiralty and King give their consent;
 * of the members of the Commonwealth of Nations have only five (including the United Kingdom) the Union Flag in their flag.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Ausflag Australian flag regularly holds campaigns that change the aim, such as during the 2000 Summer Olympics. Opinion polls show that a majority of the Australian population no other flag will, although the percentage of supporters has grown since 1980 something. At a News poll in 2004 was 32% for a change of flag and 57% against this<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-en.wikipedia.org_6-3" len="196" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[6] . ==Other flags in Australia<span class="mw-editsection" len="361" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ Edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" len="1" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == <p lang="en" len="474" style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.3999996185303px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The flags of the Australian States are usually the same structure: On the Blue Ensign is usually the Colony Badge, the mark to which the region was recognized during the colonial era, posted.
 * the elements in the flag are Australian symbols;
 * the constellation crux is traditionally used by Aborigines in legends;
 * the inclusion of the British flag does not imply that Australia is subordinate to the United Kingdom: also other independent States and even a u.s. State (Hawaii) take the British flag on in their own flag;
 * the flag is popular and a real alternative is not there yet;
 * the flag is of historical importance and is very similar to the flags of all Australian States;
 * about 102,000 soldiers are under this flag in wartime died;
 * the flag shows the strong historical, political, social and cultural links with the United Kingdom;
 * the flag was designed by Australians through a competition;
 * the Government should spend its budget on more sensible things than entering a new flag.