Advanced Vexillology Honor (Level 2)

Who was the person who coined the term ‘Vexillology'? 

• Robert G. Heft

• Joe Rosenthal

• Mark Sykes

• William Henry Perkin

• Whitney Smith

Answer explanation

The study of the use of flags is a recent thing and the word ‘Vexillology’ did not appear in prints until 1959.  

It was Professor Whitney Smith, an American scholar, who coined the term ‘Vexillology' when he first published "The Flag Bulletin". 

In heraldry, what is considered to be the most important part of the coat of arms?

• Supporters

• Motto

• Shield

• Helmet/Helm

• Badge

Answer explanation

The shield is the most important part of the coat of arms and is the center of the design.  

It is the only necessary piece when designing a coat of arms.

What is the border on a flag to separate two other colours called?

• Canton

• Finial

• Hoist

• Fimbriation 

• Fly 

Answer explanation

Fimbriation refers to a narrow edging or border, often in white or gold, on a  flag to separate two other colours.

A good example can be seen on the flag of South African Flag.

What is the horizontal length of the flag called?

• Canton

• Finial

• Hoist

• Fimbriation

• Fly

Answer explanation

Fly-refers to the edge of a flag farthest away from the flagpole.

This term also refers to the horizontal length of a flag. 

What does a Canton refers to in a flag?

• The object on top of a flag pole

• The vertical length of a flag

• The background on a flag

• Any quarter of a flag

• A symbol appearing in the field of a flag

Answer explanation

Canton refers to any quarter of a flag, but commonly means the upper hoist (left) quarter.

Which is CORRECT concerning the use of the New Zealand’s flag based on the symbol shown here?

• Flag is NOT to be used at sea by civilians and navy

• Flag is NOT to be used at sea by civilians and the state

• Flag is NOT to be used at all either at sea or on land by anyone

• Flag is NOT to be used on land by civilians and army

• Flag is NOT to be used on land by the state and army

Answer explanation

A black dot above the horizontal line indicates the flag is used on land

A black dot below the horizontal line indicates the flag is used at sea

Which is CORRECT concerning the use of the Taiwan’s flag based on the symbolshown here? 

• Flag is NOT to be used by civilians on land

• Flag is NOT to be used by the state on land

• Flag is NOT to be used by the army on land

• Flag is NOT to be used by civilians at sea

• Flag is NOT to be used by the state at sea

Which type of flag is the equivalent of an American guidon? 

• Fanion

• Pennant

• Bunting

• Gonfalon

• Black ribbon

Answer explanation

A fanion is a small flag or pennant that is used for marking purposes.                                                               

It is the equivalent of an American guidon.

Which type of flag is a series of small decorative flags connected by a line? 

• Fanion

• Pennant

• Bunting

• Gonfalon

Answer explanation

A bunting is a series of small, simple decorative flags connected by a line

Which flag has a Bible on it on the coat of arms? 

• Paraguay

• Dominica

• Portugal

• Spain

• Dominican Republic

Answer explanation

The Dominican Republic flag(not to be confused with the Dominica flag) is the only flag in the world that has a Bible on it but it is so small it can’t be easily seen.