halfmast

Half-mast refers to the position of a flag when it is flown approximately halfway down a flagpole or mast on a ship. It signals mourning, respect for the dead, or distress. The term is commonly used as half-mast at sea and half-staff on land in many countries, though exact terminology and practices vary. In the United States, for example, the term half-staff is typically used for flags on land, while naval contexts may still use half-mast.

Origin and meaning: The practice has its roots in maritime culture, where a flag lowered to the middle of a mast indicated loss or tribute among a crew. Over time it spread to shore installations as a general sign of national mourning or solemn remembrance for notable individuals or tragic events. The height of the half position is not universally fixed, but it is understood to be clearly lower than full height without being ambiguous.

Procedure: When mourning begins, authorities issue orders to lower flags to half-mast. The flag is usually raised to the top (the peak) before being lowered to the half-mast position, and it remains there for the designated period. At the end of the mourning period, the flag is raised back to the peak and then lowered to full height.

Usage: Official proclamations commonly designate the duration and scope of half-mast display, which can apply to national flags on government buildings, military installations, and ships. The exact rules—such as how long to keep the half-mast position and whether private entities may follow suit—vary by country and event.