Vexilloid

In 1958, the vexilologist Whitney Smith gave the following definition of a vexilloid:

An object that functions as a flag, but differs in some respects, usually with its appearance. Vexyloids are a characteristic feature of traditional societies and often look like a banner with an emblem at the top, for example, an animal figure.

"Vexyloid" can be used in a broad sense as a designation for any banner (vexilar object) that is not a flag. The term includes: vexillum , parcel post (vexilloid on top of the mast), pennos, ribbons, standards, banners , gonfalons ^[1] .

The first simple proto-vexilloids and predecessors of later flags and vexilloids could be pieces of fabric sprinkled with the blood of defeated enemies ^[1] .

Flags were largely supplanted by vexilloids during the late Middle Ages, between 1100 and 1400 A.D. e. Nevertheless, vexilloids are still used for special needs or during street parades, also by military units or as symbols of organizations, for example, fraternities ^[2] .

Vexyloid Cyrus the Great , Ruler of the Achaemenid Empire

• The Achaemenid Empire used stylized images of a falcon on their vexilloids.

• Vexyloid Alexander the Great with the image of the Vergina star.

• Ashoka Chakra is a symbol of the Maurya Empire .
• Vexyloid of Carthage , most likely, consisted of a spear on which there was a disk and a crescent moon, symbolizing the god Baal - the sun and the goddess Tanit - the moon ^[3] .
• Veksillum of Ancient Rome (top right) with the letters S · P · Q · R (senātus populusque Rōmānus) depicted on it, "Senate and population of Rome."
• In the Sassanid empire , a vesilloid symbol was used, similar to the solar cross , called Deravsh-Kavayan (Middle Persian Drafš-ī Kāvayān).

• After 1057 A.D. e. The Byzantine Empire began to use the double-headed eagle as a symbol, as its symbol. To the right is the symbol used by the Paleolog dynasty.
• Vexyloid of the Mongol Empire - the only one among world empires vexilloid, which had a three-dimensional design. “Yoson Tsagaan Tug” (Mongolian: Esөn hilt Tsagaan Tug), or “Nine-Tailed Banner”, consisted of nine tails of white horses suspended from a circle on which a symbol in the form of a flame or a trident was fixed. In peacetime, such a vexilloid was displayed in front of the yurt of the khan. In wartime, the banner of the Mongol Empire looked the same, but was made from the tails of black horses.
• Tug - among the Turks and peoples of Central Asia before and during the Ottoman period.

• In Nazi Germany, also known as the Third Reich , SS units used vexilloids during parades and military congresses. A sheet with the emblem and slogan Deutschland Erwache ("Germany Awakens") was hung on a horizontal bar attached to the shaft with the middle part. A metal German eagle with a swastika crowned the pole, under which was a rectangular plate on which the name of the standard headquarters was located on the front side, and “ NSDAP ” on the reverse side ^[4] .

• Military flag

• Smith, Whitney (1975). Flags Through the Ages and Across the World. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-059093-1.

• Entry on Vexilloids in the Flags of the World website