What is the meaning of the United States flag

The flag of the United States, like most of the flags we find scattered around the planet, has a special significance because its design has much to do with the values ​​and ideology that the country itself wants to reflect. This flag is also known as "Stripes and Stars", "Old Glory" and "Starry" and not only represents the government of the country but also the ideology on which American society is founded. In this article we are going to explain to you what is the meaning of the United States flag so that you can understand all the elements that are in it and that have made it one of the most revered symbols of the USA.

History about the US flag

No one knows for sure what the real origin of the United States flag is, but it is speculated that the main designer of the same was Francis Hopkinson who, together with the seamstress Betsy Ross, created the first American flag. The design that had to have was resolved in a congress held in June 1777 when it was established that said flag had to contain:

  • 13 red and white stripes that were alternating
  • 13 white stars on a blue background

The number 13 arises from the fact that, at that time, in the United States there were 13 colonies that wanted independence from Great Britain and, therefore, created this symbol that determined them as a homeland other than the English. On June 14, 1777 this design was approved and, since then, this was the day known to date as the "Flag Day".

The meaning of the United States flag

But now you have surely noticed that the United States flag contains more than 13 stars in the box that we find on the top left, right? This is because of the 13 original state, with the passage of time, have been increasing and increasingly there are more, for this reason, have been incorporated into the flag with the symbol of the star.

However, the 13 red and white stripes remain in the center of the flag to reflect the original 13 colonies. Of course, at the top we see how there are 50 white stars on the navy blue because, currently, the USA has fifty states. In you we discover the states of the United States as well as their capitals.

But what about the color of the United States flag ? They also have an associated symbolism, they have not been chosen because they are. Here we discover what each of the things we find in this flag refers to:

  • Blanco: represents the purity and innocence of the American people
  • Red: it is the color that reflects the courage and the value that the country has
  • Blue: this color is the symbol of justice and perseverance

Code of respect for the flag

Now that you know what the meaning of the United States flag is, you will understand how important it is for the inhabitants of that country for what it represents and its relationship with the homeland and the ideals of justice, democracy and unity that they defend.

For this reason, there is a specific code of respect that is stipulated among all Americans and that has strict rules of conduct that must be followed to the letter:

  • The flag should never be thrown on anything or anyone
  • You should always raise the right since if done in reverse it is only to indicate that there are problems
  • It should never be used or on a table as if they were curtains. It does not work either to decorate since, for it, the striped banners already exist
  • They should not be used for advertising or placed on household items such as cushions, napkins, etc.
  • They can not be part of any clothing, except official positions
  • It can not be altered with different messages or designs that sully its essential symbology
  • It should always be placed to the right and, in the case of being next to other flags, that of the USA should be in the center and raised above the others.
  • When they are placed at half mast it is because there is an official mourning decreed by the government