dChan - Q Origins Project Archive

Using a fringed Canadian flag

• In Canada, typically the Canadian fringed flag is only used:

o in a courthouse

o in an executive office

o at the entrance of a government building

It is intended to be more ceremonial and decorative and cannot be displayed with other flags unless you have an entire fringed set (Canada, provinces and territories) at the entrance of a government building. Fringed flags are usually displayed with a maple leaf finial. The fringed flag should not be used to flank a podium during speeches, events or ceremonies.

https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/biens-property/gec-ecm/protocoles-protocol-eng.html

Ceremonial dress flags

Ceremonial dress flags can be easily distinguished by the gold fringe around the edges. From a historical and legal standpoint, the fringe on a flag has no significance or symbolism. The fringe is, and always has been, a purely decorative addition.

A flag can have a fringe at the time of purchase or the fringe can be added later on. In the manufacturing of a ceremonial flag, the size of the flag is never altered. A gold fringe is simply sewn to the perimeter of the existing flag.

A fringe is frequently used on military flags and in formal settings such as parades, public meetings and entrances to government offices.

Ceremonial dress flags are never flown from an exterior flagpole. When using a ceremonial dress flag in a group of flags, all flags should be of the ceremonial type. It is not appropriate to mix ceremonial flags (with a fringe) with those without such a fringe. Consistency in display should be maintained.