Cocktail Flag - Danish - 20-pack - danihs flag

I don't believe this flag has any particular significance other than being an alternative way to demonstrate allegiance to Quebec without actually flying the flag of Quebec itself. Jorge Candeias, 23 October 2005 I have seen those (and various variants such as yellow-blue) before, mainly during the Fête national parade. This is not a flag, it is simply street decoration. It could be compared to the red-white blue bunting sometime used for patriotic decoration in the USA. I have never seen it flown anywhere beside street lamps. Marc Pasquin, 26 November 2005

There seems to be no special reason for the choice of this date other than preceding Quebec's National Holiday (formerly and still known as St Jean Baptist Day) by one month to put Quebecers in a rejoicing atmosphere.

Tomorrow, May 24th, is QUEBEC FLAG DAY. It has been so since 1984, when a special motion was adopted by the Assemblee Nationale.

"Quebec Day" is officially called "Fete nationale du Quebec" and is celebrated on June 24th, the Saint-John-the-Baptist day, the saint patron of Quebecers and most French-Canadians (except Acadians who have as saint patron Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption (Assumption in English?), but they still celebrate Saint-John's, it's just not as big a holiday for them. Acadians were never historically called French-Canadians, even though they are French and "Canadians" but in another sense... ***

My native land, my joy and delight, How fair thou art and bright! And nowhere in the world all round Can ever such a place be found So well beloved as I love thee, My native country dear!

The light blue color represents the beautiful and vast sky which Estonia looks on to its west and north. The country is low lying, mainly on the Baltic Sea, and has spectacular views. Lipp included the light blue in the Estonian national poem to express this wonder of nature which is apparent all around.

Here is a small story: Our Flag "Fleurdelisé" flew for the time at the Parliament mast on 21 January 1948 by Government decision and was sanctioned two years later on 9 March 1950. Donald Gauthier - 1 March 1997

Even if the government of Quebec gave the day a more laic name, the day is still referred to as "Saint-Jean-Baptiste" by most people I know.

Estonia is strongly allied to Western Europe, although it has a border with Russia. Its people have a richly independent history, which is reflected in the Estonia flag.

Source: Archambault, Jacques et Eugénie Lévesque. 1974. Le drapeau québécois, Québec: Éditeur officiel du Québec. Luc Baronian, 22 April 2005

This is another unofficial variant of the Quebec flag seen very often. It is a variant in three features: 1:2 instead of 2:3; lighter blue; different fleurs de lys. Luc-Vartan Baronian, 1 January 1999

May God in Heaven thee gave birth to me, My best, my dearest land! May He be guard, may He be shield, For ever may He bless and wield O graciously all deeds of thine, Thou dearest country mine!

I have in my files a photo dated from 1999 of a rally showing a bunch of people flying Quebec flags in a street sided by buildings looking relatively old. The photo is rather small and blurry so details are not very visible, but it's quite clear even so that an unidentified flag is flying from what looks like a lamp post that prolongs a traffic light. Apparently, it's a Quebec alternative (and quite unofficial) flag. A vertical flag, about 2:1 in proportions, diagonally divided from lower hoist to upper fly (if this terminology has any significance in this kind of flags - I'm only applying it here because this same design could be hoisted from a vertical pole, unlike this one that is hanging) white over blue and with a blue fleur-de-lys on the white triangle and a white one on the blue triangle. I don't believe this flag has any particular significance other than being an alternative way to demonstrate allegiance to Quebec without actually flying the flag of Quebec itself. Jorge Candeias, 23 October 2005 I have seen those (and various variants such as yellow-blue) before, mainly during the Fête national parade. This is not a flag, it is simply street decoration. It could be compared to the red-white blue bunting sometime used for patriotic decoration in the USA. I have never seen it flown anywhere beside street lamps. Marc Pasquin, 26 November 2005

image by Jorge Candeias, 23 October 2005 I have in my files a photo dated from 1999 of a rally showing a bunch of people flying Quebec flags in a street sided by buildings looking relatively old. The photo is rather small and blurry so details are not very visible, but it's quite clear even so that an unidentified flag is flying from what looks like a lamp post that prolongs a traffic light. Apparently, it's a Quebec alternative (and quite unofficial) flag. A vertical flag, about 2:1 in proportions, diagonally divided from lower hoist to upper fly (if this terminology has any significance in this kind of flags - I'm only applying it here because this same design could be hoisted from a vertical pole, unlike this one that is hanging) white over blue and with a blue fleur-de-lys on the white triangle and a white one on the blue triangle. I don't believe this flag has any particular significance other than being an alternative way to demonstrate allegiance to Quebec without actually flying the flag of Quebec itself. Jorge Candeias, 23 October 2005 I have seen those (and various variants such as yellow-blue) before, mainly during the Fête national parade. This is not a flag, it is simply street decoration. It could be compared to the red-white blue bunting sometime used for patriotic decoration in the USA. I have never seen it flown anywhere beside street lamps. Marc Pasquin, 26 November 2005

Officially, the proportions of the Quebec flag are 2:3, but in the facts, civilians, corporations and the federal government often fly a 1:2 version. The reason for this is that the federal government has this idea that all flags flying next to the Maple Leaf must be 1:2 too. As a result, the 1:2 version is manufactured widely and sold to the public and to corporations. Therefore, the 1:2 version is a de facto civil variant. Provincial buildings (including  schools which are of provincial jurisdiction) will normally fly the official  2:3 version. I suppose that the situation is the same in other provinces with  a non 1:2 flag, like Nova Scotia. Luc-Vartan Baronian - 05 January 1998

The black band of the nation's flag signifies both an attachment to the land and Estonia's history of hard times. The country has been part of many empires, and lies at the far west of Russia and to the north of Germany. Its people have their own unique identify, of which they are very proud. Their country sits on a stretch of sea which has been pivotal in world history.

To this day, Acadians are rarely referred to as French-Canadians. The official federation of francophone minorities in Canada is called : Federations des communautes francophones et acadiennes du Canada. So they're not even referred to as francophones!

Fortunately for you FOTW members, your loyal Quebecois members (Donald Gauthier and me) have gathered this piece of info for your files. Luc Baronian - 23 May 1997

La Presse, 20 February 2006, reports that the first flag of Quebec, hoisted on 21 January 1948, is still kept in the Council Room of the National Assembly, along with Champlain's flag and other historical flags.

Around the time of the actual federation (1867), the British started referring to themselves as Canadians, and the "Canadiens" to differentiate from them called themselves French-Canadians (Canadiens-Francais).

Our indoor flags are finished with a pole hem and your choice of with or without golden fringe. Gold fringe is the traditional way to display an indoor flag, however, some people choose without fringe for a simple and clean look that is also less expensive. If you are looking for a complete indoor presentation set, our Build Your Own Indoor International Flag Set program allows you to select a durable nylon indoor Estonia Flag and choose between premium quality poles, bases, and ornaments, and tassel. For indoor applications, most buyers choose a 3ft. x 5ft. flag with an 8ft. pole, however, if you have a low ceiling, you may opt for a 7ft. pole, which is designed to work with drop ceilings. If you are looking for a very substantial international flag display, our 4ft. x 6ft. indoor flags can be paired with a 9ft. pole for our largest indoor display option.

The flag's color scheme is famously linked with the Estonian poet Martin Lipp, who wrote "The Estonian Flag," which is a statement of Estonian nationality which is similar in its way to The Star-Spangled Banner or La Marseillaise are a statement of national identity to the United States and France respectively. To Estonians, the light blue, black, and white are akin to the the red, white, and blue of the flags of the USA and France.

The country has dramatic landscape features due to its position at the edge of the Baltic Sea. It is also part of a rising plateau of land known as the East European Platform. This literally elevates Estonia above many other countries. To the north of the country lies the Gulf of Finland, a part of the Baltic Sea which highlights the differing landscapes of mainland Europe from that of Scandinavia.

In the "European French Empire", the colonised peoples would not recognise themselves in any flag with the fleur-de-lys in it. Nor would most of the Frenchmen, for whom that means royalist or far-right wing ideas. François-Jean Blanc - 22 January 1998

Claude Paulette, expert on the Quebec flag, explains that the shade of blue of the flag changed with time. It has been for a long time too light. Today, the shade of blue is more metallic, which makes the flag more similar to Champlain's flag.

Last modified: 2022-02-26 by rob raeside Keywords: quebec | canada | france | fleur de lys (4) | saguenay | cross: st george | Links: FOTW homepage | search | disclaimer and copyright | write us | mirrors image by Martin Grieve The official proportions of the flag are: horizontally: 10-4-10 (=24) vertically: 6-4-6 (=16) with height of the fleur-de-lys: 4 The flag was officially confirmed on 21 January 1948. Željko Heimer - 16 July 1996 Fleur-de-Lys Color of the Flag Variants Variant Form on Federal buildings "Polish" Quebec flag Quebec Day Quebec Flag Day Vertical Display Protocol See also: History of Quebec Flags Proposals - 1900-1902 Proposals - 1903-1904 Proposals - 1938 Monolys flag Flag of the Lieutenant-Gouverneur Subdivisions Municipal flags listed alphabetically Municipal flags listed by administrative region Sûreté du Québec École nationale de police du Québec Société des traversiers du Québec Government Roundel Flag History of Quebec Anglo-Quebec flag proposal Anticosti National Park Cégep Vert du Québec Program Cercles de Fermières de Québec Cercles Lacordaire Confédération des syndicats nationaux Coopérative des Paramédics de l'Outaouais (Outaouais Paramedics' Cooperative) English-Speaking Community of Quebec Héma-Québec Heraldic Grants: Quebec Hydro-Québec Indépendantistes Jeux du Quebec La Meute MadawaskaMakivik Corporation Nunavik Ordre National du Québec Persévérance scolaire / Student Retention Political Parties of Quebec Red Squares demonstrators Royal Canadian Mounted Police - C Division Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Urgence Santé Education flags Bishop's University Concordia University Laval University McGill University Université de Montréal University of Quebec/Université du Québec Université de Sherbrooke Collège Durocher Sedbergh School Family flags Association de la Famille Trudel(le) Inc. Association des Chouinard d'Amérique du Nord Association des descendants des Lemieux d'Amérique inc. Association des Morin d'Amérique inc Association des Familles Morissette Inc. Association des Tremblay d'Amérique Association Les Familles Pagé d'Amérique Bastarache dit Basque family Les Tifault d'Amérique inc. Canadian provinces and territories Canada External links for Quebec Flag Protocol and Laws: Portal Arms Motto Flag Emblems Legislation Law on the flag and emblems of Quebec Regulation on the flag of Quebec FAQ Quebec flag protocol {PDF) Other External Links: "The flag of Québec, a first gesture of sovereignty", written by Valérie Maynard (in French) See also: Quebec flag construction sheet Canada Canada - Index of all pages The Fleur-de-Lys In the "European French Empire", the colonised peoples would not recognise themselves in any flag with the fleur-de-lys in it. Nor would most of the Frenchmen, for whom that means royalist or far-right wing ideas. François-Jean Blanc - 22 January 1998 It was not popular in North America before this century. Tricolors of horizontal green white red or vertical blue white red were a lot more common. Nowadays, it doesn't represent royalty to us (royalists are inexistent or at least marginal in Quebec), it just represent our French culture and the period during which we came to North America (which of course was a royal period, but I mean that no one associates a rightist or monarchist ideology with the fleur de lys here). Luc-Vartan Baronian - 22 January 1998 Color of the flag La Presse, 20 February 2006, reports that the first flag of Quebec, hoisted on 21 January 1948, is still kept in the Council Room of the National Assembly, along with Champlain's flag and other historical flags. Claude Paulette, expert on the Quebec flag, explains that the shade of blue of the flag changed with time. It has been for a long time too light. Today, the shade of blue is more metallic, which makes the flag more similar to Champlain's flag. In 2004, the government of Quebec prescribed the blue shade of the flag as Pantone 293. There are still a lot of flags with a lighter blue shade, which were most probably manufactured in countries where the new shade has not been noticed yet. Ivan Sache, 24 February 2006 Variants Variant Form on federal buildings image by Luc-Vartan Baronian Officially, the proportions of the Quebec flag are 2:3, but in the facts, civilians, corporations and the federal government often fly a 1:2 version. The reason for this is that the federal government has this idea that all flags flying next to the Maple Leaf must be 1:2 too. As a result, the 1:2 version is manufactured widely and sold to the public and to corporations. Therefore, the 1:2 version is a de facto civil variant. Provincial buildings (including  schools which are of provincial jurisdiction) will normally fly the official  2:3 version. I suppose that the situation is the same in other provinces with  a non 1:2 flag, like Nova Scotia. Luc-Vartan Baronian - 05 January 1998 by Luc-Vartan Baronian This is another unofficial variant of the Quebec flag seen very often. It is a variant in three features: 1:2 instead of 2:3; lighter blue; different fleurs de lys. Luc-Vartan Baronian, 1 January 1999 "Polish" Quebec Flag Newspaper La Presse reported the use of a red version of Quebec's flag during a football game in Montreal. The flag has been used by Polish supporters mixing the red of Poland's flag with the shape of Quebec's flag. The event has brought some reactions since red is the colour on Canada's flag and widely associated with federalism whereas the blue colour is associated with the French-speaking community and nationalism. Source (in French): cyperpresse.ca Michel Simard, 4 July 2007 Quebec Day "Quebec Day" is officially called "Fete nationale du Quebec" and is celebrated on June 24th, the Saint-John-the-Baptist day, the saint patron of Quebecers and most French-Canadians (except Acadians who have as saint patron Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption (Assumption in English?), but they still celebrate Saint-John's, it's just not as big a holiday for them. Acadians were never historically called French-Canadians, even though they are French and "Canadians" but in another sense... *** In Ontario, the Franco-Ontarians still call it the "Saint-Jean-Baptiste" and they have a festival in Ottawa during that week called the "Festival Franco-Ontarien". Even if the government of Quebec gave the day a more laic name, the day is still referred to as "Saint-Jean-Baptiste" by most people I know. There is a Quebec Flag Day sometime in March or April... But it's no big deal here, they just show on TV a huge flag suspended somewhere. ***Here is the story : In the 1600s, there were 2 French people in North America : Canadiens and Acadiens. Canada and Acadie, Louisiana and some other territories like Detroit were referred to as New-France. The British first conquered Acadie and deported its population to Louisiana, France and England (1755). Then Canada (Quebec and Ontario) was conquered (1759-1760). The British were still called British and the French born in Canada were the Canadiens. Around the time of the actual federation (1867), the British started referring to themselves as Canadians, and the "Canadiens" to differentiate from them called themselves French-Canadians (Canadiens-Francais). In the 1960s, French-Canadians of Quebec felt humiliated to have a name that gave the impression that they were a minority in their own country (province). So the name Quebecois became more and more popular... To this day, Acadians are rarely referred to as French-Canadians. The official federation of francophone minorities in Canada is called : Federations des communautes francophones et acadiennes du Canada. So they're not even referred to as francophones! "Acadie Day", is of course "Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Day", August 15th, and it is the day their flag was adopted in 1884. I don't think it is referred to as Flag Day, though. Luc-Vartan Baronian - 27 February 1997 Quebec Flag Day In 1984 a motion was presented to the "Assemblée Nationale", the Parliament of Québec by Minister Guy Chevrette on the initiative of the Mouvement National Quebecois, and the Societé Saint Jean Baptiste, that May 24th would be declared as Flag Day. The motion was accepted by all the members. The motion is not sanctioned yet, we are still waiting. Here is a small story: Our Flag "Fleurdelisé" flew for the time at the Parliament mast on 21 January 1948 by Government decision and was sanctioned two years later on 9 March 1950. Donald Gauthier - 1 March 1997 Tomorrow, May 24th, is QUEBEC FLAG DAY. It has been so since 1984, when a special motion was adopted by the Assemblee Nationale. There seems to be no special reason for the choice of this date other than preceding Quebec's National Holiday (formerly and still known as St Jean Baptist Day) by one month to put Quebecers in a rejoicing atmosphere. Though there are always many Quebec flags displayed on this day, no special mention was ever made at the National Assembly since 1984, and no one seems to make a great deal out of it. Fortunately for you FOTW members, your loyal Quebecois members (Donald Gauthier and me) have gathered this piece of info for your files. Luc Baronian - 23 May 1997 Vertical Displays Vertical displays of the Quebec flag Official vertical pattern Unofficial variant in photograph image by Ivan Sache The point in the odd vertical display that is usual for the Quebec flag was explained way back in 1974, in a book about the flag published by the government that included a protocol. The point is that the canton (canton d'honneur; top left quarter) must always be to the viewer's left. Source: Archambault, Jacques et Eugénie Lévesque. 1974. Le drapeau québécois, Québec: Éditeur officiel du Québec. Luc Baronian, 22 April 2005 image by Jorge Candeias, 23 October 2005 I have in my files a photo dated from 1999 of a rally showing a bunch of people flying Quebec flags in a street sided by buildings looking relatively old. The photo is rather small and blurry so details are not very visible, but it's quite clear even so that an unidentified flag is flying from what looks like a lamp post that prolongs a traffic light. Apparently, it's a Quebec alternative (and quite unofficial) flag. A vertical flag, about 2:1 in proportions, diagonally divided from lower hoist to upper fly (if this terminology has any significance in this kind of flags - I'm only applying it here because this same design could be hoisted from a vertical pole, unlike this one that is hanging) white over blue and with a blue fleur-de-lys on the white triangle and a white one on the blue triangle. I don't believe this flag has any particular significance other than being an alternative way to demonstrate allegiance to Quebec without actually flying the flag of Quebec itself. Jorge Candeias, 23 October 2005 I have seen those (and various variants such as yellow-blue) before, mainly during the Fête national parade. This is not a flag, it is simply street decoration. It could be compared to the red-white blue bunting sometime used for patriotic decoration in the USA. I have never seen it flown anywhere beside street lamps. Marc Pasquin, 26 November 2005 Protocol The Quebec government as released a document in English pertaining to the official protocol for flying the flag of Quebec: This answers a question on by Ivan Sache who reported seeing a vertical flag with the fleur-de-lys pointing toward the hoist and was wondering what was the official policy (t is as reported). Another interesting fact: Half-mast for a flag means literally that (the pamphlet is a concise translation of the website which goes on to specify that the white band should be in the middle). The only exception is when putting it at half mast would allow access to it by a passerby; in that case, a black cravat should be tied to the top. One note on the term institution used throughout the pamphlet: This refers to public service directly under the jurisdiction of the Quebec government (school, hospital, etc...). Flag flying in the province is not as widespread as elsewhere and many buildings only have one pole so it is common practices in Quebec for places to only fly the flag of its relevant level of government (municipal, provincial or federal). Thus, when the pamphlet mention putting the Quebec in the place of honour, it is only for public services and not for private endeavours (such as a hotel) which would normally would fly them in the usual manner. Marc Pasquin, 7 March 2004

We offer free images of the Estonia Flag in four sizes (small, medium, large, and high resolution). These images are distributed royalty free for both personal and educational use and are ideal for use in projects and on websites. If you choose to use one of our images, attribution is appreciated, but not required.

In addition to the flags we offer for purchase, we maintain an archive of the audio and lyrics of the Estonia National Anthem, historical information about the Estonia flag, demographic data about Estonia, and free high resolution images of the Estonia flag for use in projects and on websites.

Another interesting fact: Half-mast for a flag means literally that (the pamphlet is a concise translation of the website which goes on to specify that the white band should be in the middle). The only exception is when putting it at half mast would allow access to it by a passerby; in that case, a black cravat should be tied to the top.

My little cradle stood on ground soil, Whose blessings ease my toil. With my last breath my thanks to thee, For true to death I'll ever be, O worthy, most beloved and fine, Thou, dearest country mine!

I have seen those (and various variants such as yellow-blue) before, mainly during the Fête national parade. This is not a flag, it is simply street decoration. It could be compared to the red-white blue bunting sometime used for patriotic decoration in the USA. I have never seen it flown anywhere beside street lamps. Marc Pasquin, 26 November 2005

Apparently, it's a Quebec alternative (and quite unofficial) flag. A vertical flag, about 2:1 in proportions, diagonally divided from lower hoist to upper fly (if this terminology has any significance in this kind of flags - I'm only applying it here because this same design could be hoisted from a vertical pole, unlike this one that is hanging) white over blue and with a blue fleur-de-lys on the white triangle and a white one on the blue triangle. I don't believe this flag has any particular significance other than being an alternative way to demonstrate allegiance to Quebec without actually flying the flag of Quebec itself. Jorge Candeias, 23 October 2005 I have seen those (and various variants such as yellow-blue) before, mainly during the Fête national parade. This is not a flag, it is simply street decoration. It could be compared to the red-white blue bunting sometime used for patriotic decoration in the USA. I have never seen it flown anywhere beside street lamps. Marc Pasquin, 26 November 2005

The white band at the bottom of the flag represents purity. This is in reference to the Estonian national values of continence and honest work. It literally underlines the Estonian people's belief that they will prevail due to their national character. They have been invaded by numerous foreign countries for hundreds of years, but remain stalwart.

One note on the term institution used throughout the pamphlet: This refers to public service directly under the jurisdiction of the Quebec government (school, hospital, etc...). Flag flying in the province is not as widespread as elsewhere and many buildings only have one pole so it is common practices in Quebec for places to only fly the flag of its relevant level of government (municipal, provincial or federal). Thus, when the pamphlet mention putting the Quebec in the place of honour, it is only for public services and not for private endeavours (such as a hotel) which would normally would fly them in the usual manner. Marc Pasquin, 7 March 2004

The Estonia Flag features a simple and striking design of three equally sized horizontal bands, which are colored light blue at the top, black in the middle and white at the bottom. The flag is known as "sinimustvalge" in the Estonian language, and is used to represent the country's government on all national and international occasions.

Our outdoor international flags are finished with a canvas header and brass grommets and are offered in four sizes: 2ft. x 3ft., 3ft. x 5ft., 4ft. x 6ft., and 5ft. x 8ft., to fit any sized flagpole. Typically, outdoor flags are flown outside of government organizations, businesses, and institutions on in-ground and wall-mount flagpoles, however, some people also buy these flags to display their international pride at home. If you are looking for a wall-mount Estonia flag set to display outside of your home, our Build Your Own Outdoor International Flag Set program will allow you to choose between premium quality 6ft. poles and brackets to display the Estonia Flag on your front porch. Outdoor flags can also be displayed indoors on interior walls of your home with screws anchored in the wall to attach to the grommets.

Regardless of your application, we are looking forward to working with you to provide the required flags, flagpoles, and hardware for your application. If you need assistance, please reach out to us by phone, email, or chat, and we will be happy to help.

The point in the odd vertical display that is usual for the Quebec flag was explained way back in 1974, in a book about the flag published by the government that included a protocol. The point is that the canton (canton d'honneur; top left quarter) must always be to the viewer's left. Source: Archambault, Jacques et Eugénie Lévesque. 1974. Le drapeau québécois, Québec: Éditeur officiel du Québec. Luc Baronian, 22 April 2005

The Quebec government as released a document in English pertaining to the official protocol for flying the flag of Quebec:

Though there are always many Quebec flags displayed on this day, no special mention was ever made at the National Assembly since 1984, and no one seems to make a great deal out of it.

Then Canada (Quebec and Ontario) was conquered (1759-1760). The British were still called British and the French born in Canada were the Canadiens.

Estonia has a history which dates back to 9000 BC. It was the last European country to accept Christianity, and has a strong pagan culture. Its people are ethnically and culturally similar to the Finnish population.

"Acadie Day", is of course "Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Day", August 15th, and it is the day their flag was adopted in 1884. I don't think it is referred to as Flag Day, though. Luc-Vartan Baronian - 27 February 1997

In the 1960s, French-Canadians of Quebec felt humiliated to have a name that gave the impression that they were a minority in their own country (province). So the name Quebecois became more and more popular...

In 2004, the government of Quebec prescribed the blue shade of the flag as Pantone 293. There are still a lot of flags with a lighter blue shade, which were most probably manufactured in countries where the new shade has not been noticed yet. Ivan Sache, 24 February 2006

There is a Quebec Flag Day sometime in March or April... But it's no big deal here, they just show on TV a huge flag suspended somewhere.

See also: Quebec flag construction sheet Canada Canada - Index of all pages The Fleur-de-Lys In the "European French Empire", the colonised peoples would not recognise themselves in any flag with the fleur-de-lys in it. Nor would most of the Frenchmen, for whom that means royalist or far-right wing ideas. François-Jean Blanc - 22 January 1998 It was not popular in North America before this century. Tricolors of horizontal green white red or vertical blue white red were a lot more common. Nowadays, it doesn't represent royalty to us (royalists are inexistent or at least marginal in Quebec), it just represent our French culture and the period during which we came to North America (which of course was a royal period, but I mean that no one associates a rightist or monarchist ideology with the fleur de lys here). Luc-Vartan Baronian - 22 January 1998 Color of the flag La Presse, 20 February 2006, reports that the first flag of Quebec, hoisted on 21 January 1948, is still kept in the Council Room of the National Assembly, along with Champlain's flag and other historical flags. Claude Paulette, expert on the Quebec flag, explains that the shade of blue of the flag changed with time. It has been for a long time too light. Today, the shade of blue is more metallic, which makes the flag more similar to Champlain's flag. In 2004, the government of Quebec prescribed the blue shade of the flag as Pantone 293. There are still a lot of flags with a lighter blue shade, which were most probably manufactured in countries where the new shade has not been noticed yet. Ivan Sache, 24 February 2006 Variants Variant Form on federal buildings image by Luc-Vartan Baronian Officially, the proportions of the Quebec flag are 2:3, but in the facts, civilians, corporations and the federal government often fly a 1:2 version. The reason for this is that the federal government has this idea that all flags flying next to the Maple Leaf must be 1:2 too. As a result, the 1:2 version is manufactured widely and sold to the public and to corporations. Therefore, the 1:2 version is a de facto civil variant. Provincial buildings (including  schools which are of provincial jurisdiction) will normally fly the official  2:3 version. I suppose that the situation is the same in other provinces with  a non 1:2 flag, like Nova Scotia. Luc-Vartan Baronian - 05 January 1998 by Luc-Vartan Baronian This is another unofficial variant of the Quebec flag seen very often. It is a variant in three features: 1:2 instead of 2:3; lighter blue; different fleurs de lys. Luc-Vartan Baronian, 1 January 1999 "Polish" Quebec Flag Newspaper La Presse reported the use of a red version of Quebec's flag during a football game in Montreal. The flag has been used by Polish supporters mixing the red of Poland's flag with the shape of Quebec's flag. The event has brought some reactions since red is the colour on Canada's flag and widely associated with federalism whereas the blue colour is associated with the French-speaking community and nationalism. Source (in French): cyperpresse.ca Michel Simard, 4 July 2007 Quebec Day "Quebec Day" is officially called "Fete nationale du Quebec" and is celebrated on June 24th, the Saint-John-the-Baptist day, the saint patron of Quebecers and most French-Canadians (except Acadians who have as saint patron Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption (Assumption in English?), but they still celebrate Saint-John's, it's just not as big a holiday for them. Acadians were never historically called French-Canadians, even though they are French and "Canadians" but in another sense... *** In Ontario, the Franco-Ontarians still call it the "Saint-Jean-Baptiste" and they have a festival in Ottawa during that week called the "Festival Franco-Ontarien". Even if the government of Quebec gave the day a more laic name, the day is still referred to as "Saint-Jean-Baptiste" by most people I know. There is a Quebec Flag Day sometime in March or April... But it's no big deal here, they just show on TV a huge flag suspended somewhere. ***Here is the story : In the 1600s, there were 2 French people in North America : Canadiens and Acadiens. Canada and Acadie, Louisiana and some other territories like Detroit were referred to as New-France. The British first conquered Acadie and deported its population to Louisiana, France and England (1755). Then Canada (Quebec and Ontario) was conquered (1759-1760). The British were still called British and the French born in Canada were the Canadiens. Around the time of the actual federation (1867), the British started referring to themselves as Canadians, and the "Canadiens" to differentiate from them called themselves French-Canadians (Canadiens-Francais). In the 1960s, French-Canadians of Quebec felt humiliated to have a name that gave the impression that they were a minority in their own country (province). So the name Quebecois became more and more popular... To this day, Acadians are rarely referred to as French-Canadians. The official federation of francophone minorities in Canada is called : Federations des communautes francophones et acadiennes du Canada. So they're not even referred to as francophones! "Acadie Day", is of course "Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Day", August 15th, and it is the day their flag was adopted in 1884. I don't think it is referred to as Flag Day, though. Luc-Vartan Baronian - 27 February 1997 Quebec Flag Day In 1984 a motion was presented to the "Assemblée Nationale", the Parliament of Québec by Minister Guy Chevrette on the initiative of the Mouvement National Quebecois, and the Societé Saint Jean Baptiste, that May 24th would be declared as Flag Day. The motion was accepted by all the members. The motion is not sanctioned yet, we are still waiting. Here is a small story: Our Flag "Fleurdelisé" flew for the time at the Parliament mast on 21 January 1948 by Government decision and was sanctioned two years later on 9 March 1950. Donald Gauthier - 1 March 1997 Tomorrow, May 24th, is QUEBEC FLAG DAY. It has been so since 1984, when a special motion was adopted by the Assemblee Nationale. There seems to be no special reason for the choice of this date other than preceding Quebec's National Holiday (formerly and still known as St Jean Baptist Day) by one month to put Quebecers in a rejoicing atmosphere. Though there are always many Quebec flags displayed on this day, no special mention was ever made at the National Assembly since 1984, and no one seems to make a great deal out of it. Fortunately for you FOTW members, your loyal Quebecois members (Donald Gauthier and me) have gathered this piece of info for your files. Luc Baronian - 23 May 1997 Vertical Displays Vertical displays of the Quebec flag Official vertical pattern Unofficial variant in photograph image by Ivan Sache The point in the odd vertical display that is usual for the Quebec flag was explained way back in 1974, in a book about the flag published by the government that included a protocol. The point is that the canton (canton d'honneur; top left quarter) must always be to the viewer's left. Source: Archambault, Jacques et Eugénie Lévesque. 1974. Le drapeau québécois, Québec: Éditeur officiel du Québec. Luc Baronian, 22 April 2005 image by Jorge Candeias, 23 October 2005 I have in my files a photo dated from 1999 of a rally showing a bunch of people flying Quebec flags in a street sided by buildings looking relatively old. The photo is rather small and blurry so details are not very visible, but it's quite clear even so that an unidentified flag is flying from what looks like a lamp post that prolongs a traffic light. Apparently, it's a Quebec alternative (and quite unofficial) flag. A vertical flag, about 2:1 in proportions, diagonally divided from lower hoist to upper fly (if this terminology has any significance in this kind of flags - I'm only applying it here because this same design could be hoisted from a vertical pole, unlike this one that is hanging) white over blue and with a blue fleur-de-lys on the white triangle and a white one on the blue triangle. I don't believe this flag has any particular significance other than being an alternative way to demonstrate allegiance to Quebec without actually flying the flag of Quebec itself. Jorge Candeias, 23 October 2005 I have seen those (and various variants such as yellow-blue) before, mainly during the Fête national parade. This is not a flag, it is simply street decoration. It could be compared to the red-white blue bunting sometime used for patriotic decoration in the USA. I have never seen it flown anywhere beside street lamps. Marc Pasquin, 26 November 2005 Protocol The Quebec government as released a document in English pertaining to the official protocol for flying the flag of Quebec: This answers a question on by Ivan Sache who reported seeing a vertical flag with the fleur-de-lys pointing toward the hoist and was wondering what was the official policy (t is as reported). Another interesting fact: Half-mast for a flag means literally that (the pamphlet is a concise translation of the website which goes on to specify that the white band should be in the middle). The only exception is when putting it at half mast would allow access to it by a passerby; in that case, a black cravat should be tied to the top. One note on the term institution used throughout the pamphlet: This refers to public service directly under the jurisdiction of the Quebec government (school, hospital, etc...). Flag flying in the province is not as widespread as elsewhere and many buildings only have one pole so it is common practices in Quebec for places to only fly the flag of its relevant level of government (municipal, provincial or federal). Thus, when the pamphlet mention putting the Quebec in the place of honour, it is only for public services and not for private endeavours (such as a hotel) which would normally would fly them in the usual manner. Marc Pasquin, 7 March 2004

In Ontario, the Franco-Ontarians still call it the "Saint-Jean-Baptiste" and they have a festival in Ottawa during that week called the "Festival Franco-Ontarien".

We carry authentic Estonia Flags in both indoor and outdoor varieties. Our flags are proudly made in the United States from durable nylon and are printed with vibrant long-lasting inks. The Estonia national flag is often displayed at embassies, outside of businesses associated with Estonia, and at the homes of people who take great pride in their Estonian heritage.

This answers a question on by Ivan Sache who reported seeing a vertical flag with the fleur-de-lys pointing toward the hoist and was wondering what was the official policy (t is as reported).

In 1984 a motion was presented to the "Assemblée Nationale", the Parliament of Québec by Minister Guy Chevrette on the initiative of the Mouvement National Quebecois, and the Societé Saint Jean Baptiste, that May 24th would be declared as Flag Day. The motion was accepted by all the members. The motion is not sanctioned yet, we are still waiting.

It was not popular in North America before this century. Tricolors of horizontal green white red or vertical blue white red were a lot more common. Nowadays, it doesn't represent royalty to us (royalists are inexistent or at least marginal in Quebec), it just represent our French culture and the period during which we came to North America (which of course was a royal period, but I mean that no one associates a rightist or monarchist ideology with the fleur de lys here). Luc-Vartan Baronian - 22 January 1998

image by Ivan Sache The point in the odd vertical display that is usual for the Quebec flag was explained way back in 1974, in a book about the flag published by the government that included a protocol. The point is that the canton (canton d'honneur; top left quarter) must always be to the viewer's left. Source: Archambault, Jacques et Eugénie Lévesque. 1974. Le drapeau québécois, Québec: Éditeur officiel du Québec. Luc Baronian, 22 April 2005