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Banner

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A banner is a special piece of cloth used to share a message. It might show a logo, a name, or a slogan. People use banners in many different ways to grab attention. Some hang from vertical or horizontal poles in the wind. Others are stretched between two poles or attached to buildings. You can even see some being towed behind aircraft in the sky.

TIFO FCN
TIFO FCN

Banners help people show what they believe in or what they love.

There are many ways to make and use these cloths. In heraldry, a banner of arms shows a design from a shield. These are usually shaped like a square or a rectangle. For business, people use advertising banners made of vinyl or fabric. These are often printed with large inkjet printers using special inks. To keep them from tearing, makers often add metal grommets. These small rings help tie the banner down securely to a post.

Banners of Knights of the Thistle
Banners of Knights of the Thistle

Banners have been used for a very long time. The word comes from Old French and Late Latin roots. In the ancient Roman army, soldiers used a banner called a vexillum. The word vexillum actually means a "little sail." This is because the cloth draped from a horizontal crossbar on a staff. This looks different from modern flags that attach to a vertical pole.

Sanctus Gummarus Lyrmensis 04
Sanctus Gummarus Lyrmensis 04

These military standards helped soldiers stay together.

Many groups use banners to show their history and pride. In Australia, trade unions used banners during large marches. One famous banner was made for the Federated Society of Boilermakers. It was painted by a firm called Althouse & Geiger around 1913. The cloth shows a steam locomotive and a river bridge. It even has Australian flowers and a warship on the back.

Federated Society of Boilermakers, Iron & Steel Shipbuilders of Australia, Union Banner A928321h
Federated Society of Boilermakers, Iron & Steel Shipbuilders of Australia, Union Banner A928321h

These banners tell the story of hard work.

Today, you can find banners in sports and online. Sports fans hang banners in stadiums to show team colors. In Uruguay, fans made a massive banner that weighs 2 tonnes! In North America, teams hold a ceremony to "raise the banner" for a new champion. You can even see banner ads on websites like Spotify. These digital banners use links to take you to new places.

TU banners
TU banners

From ancient Roman sails to computer screens, banners keep us connected.

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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:Banners of Knights of the Thistle.jpg
Banners of Knights of the Thistle.jpg
File:Sanctus Gummarus Lyrmensis 04.JPG
Sanctus Gummarus Lyrmensis 04.JPG
File:Kirkkoliput.jpg
Kirkkoliput.jpg
File:TU banners.JPG
TU banners.JPG
File:Federated Society of Boilermakers, Iron & Steel Shipbuilders of Australia, Union Banner A928321h.jpg
Federated Society of Boilermakers, Iron &...
File:TIFO FCN.jpg
TIFO FCN.jpg
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