Vexillology is the study of flags. A person who studies flags is called a vexillologist. The term was coined around 1960 by Dr. Whitney Smith of the United States, currently the foremost vexillologist in the world and author of many books and articles on this subject.

The word vexillology is a synthesis of the Latin word "vexillum" and the suffix "-logy" meaning study of (see List of ologies). The vexillum was a particular type of flag used by Roman legions during the classical era. Unlike most modern flags which are suspended from a pole or mast along their left side, the square vexillum was suspended from a crossbar along its top side, which crossbar was attached to a spear.

Vexillologists are active in several national associations under the umbrella of FIAV (Fédération Internationale des Associations Vexillologiques). Every second year, FIAV organizes an international congress of vexillology (ICV 2005 will be in Buenos Aires, Argentina). Internet activity of vexillologists centers around the Flags of the World (FOTW) Website and mailing list.

External links

• FOTW (Flags of the World)
• World Flag Database
• Flag Institute (United Kingdom)
• The Flag Institute - Vexillology
• Serbian Vexillological Society (Serbia)
• NAVA (North American Vexillological Assocation) (USA)
• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Flaggenkunde (Germany)
• ICV 2005 at Buenos Aires

See also

• Flag terminology
• Vexillological symbols