Vexillologia

Vexillologia is the scholarly study of flags, their history, symbolism, design, manufacture, and use. It encompasses national, regional, municipal, military, maritime, and ceremonial banners, as well as the social, political, and cultural contexts that give flags meaning. The field distinguishes between vexillology (the study) and vexillography, the practical art and craft of designing and producing flags.

The modern term is associated with the development of organized flag studies in the 19th and 20th centuries. The word vexillology was popularized by Whitney Smith in the mid-20th century, and international coordination is carried out by the Fédération internationale des associations vexillologiques (FIAV). National and regional associations, journals, and museums contribute to research, collection, and education on flags.

Key concepts include flag anatomy (the hoist, the fly, the canton, the field), proportions (ratio of length to height), and design elements such as colors, stripes, crosses, and emblems. Colors are symbolic in many traditions but meanings vary by culture; many flags use a small number of colors to improve recognition. Design effectiveness often relies on clarity and contrast for use at varying sizes.

Common practice in vexillology emphasizes design principles such as keeping a flag simple, using meaningful symbolism, limiting colors to two or three, avoiding lettering and complex seals, and ensuring the design remains distinctive. Flags are examined in legal, constitutional, and diplomatic contexts, as well as in vexillological exhibitions and education.