In the world of flags, certain elements are extremely common. Stripes, stars and crosses are everywhere, but there’s plenty of diversity for anyone interested enough to look! One of the coolest flag elements that you don’t often see is a spiral. Today we will look at the spiral in vexillology (the study of flags), as well as some of the groups of people and countries that use it. Let’s start!
What Do Flags With Spirals Mean?
While it’s handy to have a singular meaning behind putting spirals on a flag, it’s not. Instead, many cultures and groups of people use spirals for different reasons. Some flags use spirals to represent a connection to the ocean via waves (Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture, for example), while others use spirals to represent tribal heritage (the Apalachee Nation Flag , for instance).
Moreover, one of the oldest symbolic meanings, especially in European countries, is the triple spiral. The triple spiral can be used to show the triple nature of being and the spiritual journey of life. It represents the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life, death and rebirth. Each spiral symbolizes a different stage in the journey of life, the first representing birth, the second growth and development, and the third completion and fulfillment. The triple spiral is often associated with the Celtic goddess Morrigan and the trinity of creation, preservation and destruction. In Celtic cultures, the spiral is known as the Triskele. It is also considered a symbol of the triple law of karma, where our actions impact our spiritual journey.
Let’s look at some notable flags that use spirals and see a full list of current flags that use a spiral.
Notable examples of flags using a spiral
The Flag of the Apalachee Nation
©iStock.com/Oleksii Liskonih
The Apalachee were an indigenous people of the southeastern forests, particularly Florida, who resided in the area now known as the Florida Panhandle before the turn of the 18th century. These people lived between the Aucilla and Ochlockonee rivers in the area known as the Apalachee Province at the head of Apalachee Bay. Their flag features three spirals, each in a triangular shape surrounding a central triangle.
Ottawa, Ontario Flag
©RBL Stockphotos/Shutterstock.com
Ottawa’s official flag is highlighted by a white “O” design, symbolizing both a maple leaf and the Peace Tower and Center Block of the Parliament Buildings. The design uses blue and teal colors to represent the new city of Ottawa, symbolizing the region’s rivers and waterways as well as the city’s green spaces, trees and parks. The three lines unite to create a spiral in the center of the flag.
New Zealand (proposed design)
©Designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and drawn by Hugh Jass. Previous versions were made by Lexicon in SVG and 2000 in PNG / public domain. – Licence
New Zealand proposed two tricks to change the national flag, both incorporating spirals. The spirals are probably a reference to the Koru, one of the most important symbols in Maori art. The Koru symbolizes an opening fern and represents new life, growth, strength and peace.
Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
©Danler/Shutterstock.com
Ibaraki is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kanto region of Hanshu. Its flag has the emblem of the prefecture in the middle, a large spiral in the shape of a white rosebud. The blue and the spiral represent the Pacific Ocean and the importance of the ocean to the coastal prefecture.
A list of flags with spirals
- Appalachian Nation Flag
- Bercianism
- Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
- Kingdom of Mankind (micronation on the Spratly Islands)
- Koru (New Zealand proposal)
- Kosovo (proposal)
- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ust-Ord Buryatia, Russia
- Ust-Orda Buryat Autonomous District, Russia
- Andøy, Nordland (Norway)
- Balakirevo, Alexandrovsky district of Vladimir oblast, Russia
- Burannoe, a rural settlement in Russia
- Dmitrovskoe, a rural settlement in Russia
- Karsky Selsovet, Nenetsia, Russia
- Korkino, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia
- Paola, Malta
- Flag of the Kingdom of Humanity
- Koru Nation
- Tino Rangatiratanga Maori Sovereignty Movement
Conclusion
The use of spirals in flags is a powerful symbol that demonstrates a connection to the ocean, tribal heritage and spiritual growth. The spirals represent the cycle of life, from the simplest to the most complex shapes, and can be seen as a representation of the interconnectedness of all things. They can also be seen as a reminder of the importance of honoring our ancestral roots and finding our place in the world. Ultimately, the spirals can serve as a reminder of our place in the circle of life and a reminder to strive for spiritual growth and greater understanding. It only makes sense to have them on a flag!
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