According to standard practices often applied to the American flag, which is frequently used as a banner, folding involves a specific sequence of steps to create a compact triangle.
Folding a flag, particularly the U.S. flag, is a process steeped in tradition and symbolism. The method described in the reference focuses on achieving the familiar triangular shape.
Steps for Folding the Flag
The provided reference outlines a three-step process for folding the American flag:
- Fold the Flag in half lengthwise. Begin by holding the flag horizontally with another person. Fold the bottom half up over the top half.
- Repeat, fold in half lengthwise again, being careful that the blue field is on the outside. Fold the flag in half lengthwise one more time. At this stage, the goal is to ensure that the blue field with the stars is visible on the outside of the folded portion.
- As one person holds the Flag by the blue field, another makes a triangular fold in the opposite and continues to make triangular folds until the entire Flag is in a triangle. With one end held steady (typically the end with the blue field), begin making triangular folds from the opposite end. Fold a corner up to meet the upper edge, creating a triangular segment. Continue folding in triangles until the entire flag is compacted into a triangle shape.
Why This Method?
This particular folding method for the American flag results in a triangle, symbolizing the tri-cornered hats worn by Continental Soldiers. The final triangular fold should leave only the blue field visible, representing the stars coming to rest.
While the reference describes the method for the American flag, which serves as a common type of banner, these steps provide a clear procedure for achieving a neat, triangular fold suitable for display or storage. The process requires two people for ease and proper execution, especially during the triangular folding stage.
