Flags have been used by mankind for as long as history can remember, but up until the late 18th century, flags were only used for military or maritime purposes.
However, as nationalism became more popular, countries began to adopt their own flags with unique colors and symbols to represent their land and people.
Flags have since become the most common way for nations to identify themselves. Organizations today have their own flags as well. From companies to sports teams, almost every group known to man has at least one flag to represent its cause.
Flags have traditionally been flown from a pole outside where all can see it, but for college students, flag poles are hard to come by and many students have taken to placing their flags inside their dorm or apartment.
Chandler White, sophomore in public relations, said flags made his room stand out and fill white space at the same time.
White chose to fly an American flag and a Fish Hippie flag in his room.
You can hang a flag anywhere that there is a wall, but a popular place for many students is behind the couch. If you want anyone passing by your place to know where your loyalty lies, try hanging your flag in front of a window, but exposure to sunlight may cause the flag to fade.
“I live in a dorm, so we have limited space,” said Collin Webb, sophomore in animal sciences-equine. “I guess a flag is a most efficient and just overall easy way to decorate or show or symbolize whatever you want.”
He has an Auburn flag with the AU on it and an American flag.
“The Auburn flag was actually a gift from a friend whenever I came here,” Webb said. “I figured no better way to show some school pride than to hang a flag in your room and then the American flag is just, you know, the greatest country on Earth — got to show that patriotism.”
The Stars and Stripes is by far the most popular flag to found across the US, and so it is no surprise to find many inside dorms and apartments at Auburn as students show their national pride. It is important to remember to follow the proper protocols when hanging the American flag though as there are a few rules.
The most important two rules to remember is to always have the union or the stars on the top and to the left of observers. There shouldn’t be another flag above the nation’s flag.
For anyone looking to add a little spark to their place in an easy and cheap fashion, the flag is an easy choice. It’s not hard to find a unique flag that will stand out either as there are plenty of team, school and company flags to choose from.
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