Do you know Jack about the Union Flag? Our National flag explained
The Union Jack or Union Flag is the national flag of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The current design we all know and love has been about since January 1st 1801. We know it as the Union Flag as it represents King George III administrative union of the 3 kingdoms of the British Isles. England, Scotland & Ireland (Northern Ireland Only Since 1921). The flag design itself consists of the Cross of Saint Andrew overlaying with the Cross of Saint Patrick with the Cross of Saint George on top. Why wasn’t Wales included in the Union Jack? At the time Wales was a principality ruled by a prince, therefore could not be included in the union. Some residents of Wales call to change the flag and included the Welsh Dragon in the Centre of the Cross of Saint George.
The ‘Union’ part of the name simply came from union of the three countries. The ‘Jack’ part however has been used for the flag since before 1600 and its origins are unclear. The main theory is that the ‘Jack’ part may have simply come from the name of King James I or James VI of Scotland. Another idea was when used as a maritime flag at the front of the boat it was called ‘Jack’ by the sailors. Another theory comes from back in 1674 when its was referred to as either “the Jack”, or “Jack Flag” or the King’s Jack. The royalty at the time referred to it as “His Majesty’s Jack” and after that it was officially named the ‘Union Jack’. Historians are still unsure of the origins of the use of ‘Jack’ but are still researching it roots.
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Dear Reader,
Although the Union Flag (often called the Union Jack which is on a ship) is unique in appearance and looks rather glamorous – it has a great deal of national one-upmanship in it.
The George Cross of England is right in front of the flags of Scotland and ‘United’ Ireland – making England out to appear superior to the other countries that make up the United Kingdom. The Cross of St. Patrick for ‘United’ Ireland is set just below the Cross of St. Andrew for Scotland (which is behind the cross of England) and giving it less importance. The flag of ‘United’ Ireland no longer applies, at the moment anyway, because Leinster, Connaught and Munster (making up Southern Ireland) have chosen to be independent of the UK – and only Ulster (Northern Ireland) is still part of the UK… and so the flag of Northern Ireland should be there, instead. There is no sign of the Welsh flag in the Union Flag – making Wales appear non-existant. [Maybe Wales is rather like James Bond and wishes to work under cover, as part of the UK without bewing noticed - but I suggest that you speak to someone from Wales about the matter.]
It’s not fair!
Can you find an English actor who can outdo Thomas (alias: ‘Sean’) Connery? I think you’ll find they are neck-and-neck. How about an English poet any better than William Butler Yeats, or an English playwright any more influential than George Bernard Shaw. There again: they are all equally proficient. And what about an English singer more impressive than Tom Jones? They have the same standard, I believe.
If England is so ‘superior’ to all the other countries which make up the United Kingdom – then please ask yourself if England can possibly do without Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
If the Union Flag does not have ALL the nations which make up the UK – without any appearing any ‘better’ than the others… then how on Earth is the UK ever going to be able to encourage race relations abroad!
I beg you: if you are influential enough to persuade those, in charge, then please persuade them to alter the Union Flag in order to give EQUAL Respect for all nationalities who make up the United Kingdom.
Thank you!