Flag of Arcadia
 The national flag of Arcadia. | |
| Use | National flag and ensign |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 1:2 |
| Adopted | 1673 AN |
| Design | A white-fimbriated symmetric darkblue cross on a orange field with a white-fimbriated counterchanged saltire of darkblue and white. |
| Designer | Gustaaf Vermeylen |
The Flag of Arcadia or Royal Union Flag is the national flag of the United Kingdom of Arcadia, the Beneluccas and the land of the Calbain.
This flag was introduced during the formation of the United Kingdom, consisting of the areas of Arcadia, the Beneluccas and Calbion. The flag is a combination of these areas:
- The asymmetrical hemmed cross of Arcadia's earlier flag is centralized.
- The X-shaped cross is derived from the Calbain flag, as well as the dark blue colour.
- The orange colour can be found on the earlier flag of Arcadia and the flag of the Beneluccas.
It was suggested to place a dark blue dragon in the centre of the flag, referring to the flag and coat of arms of Calbion.
Flying the flag
The Royal Union Flag can be flown by any individual or organisation in Arcadia on any day of their choice. Since 1673 AN, a protocol is in force for hanging the flag:
- The flag may be hung on any day between sunrise and sunset, unless the flag is illuminated on both sides. The flag must be brought down at the latest when the individual colours of the flag can no longer be distinguished;
- On public holidays and anniversaries, with the exception of the Catological holidays, hanging the flag on government buildings is mandatory;
- The flag must not touch the ground;
- No embellishment or other addition may be made to the flag.
When hoisting the flag at half-mast, the flag is first hoisted full, then lowered until the center of the flag reaches half the full height. The flag cannot be tied. When lowering a half-mast hoisted flag, the flag must first be hoisted full and then lowered.
Upside-down
While the flag appears symmetric, the white lines above and below the diagonal red are different widths. On the side closer to the flagpole (or on the left when depicted on paper), the white lines above the diagonals are wider; on the side farther from the flagpole (or on the right when depicted on paper), the converse is true. Thus, no change will be apparent when rotating the flag 180 degrees, but if mirrored the flag will be upside-down.
Placing the flag upside down is considered lèse majesté and is offensive to some.
Previous flag
At the foundation of the Kingdom of Arcadia in 1663 AN a flag was designed with reference to the fictitious history of Arcadia. Although this fictitious history has not yet been fully worked out, references have already been devised:
- Blue is the same blue on the flag of Stormark, the colour refers to the Escomanii.
- White refers to the Awarii.
- Orange is the same orange on the flag of Batavia, the colour refers to the Batavii.
First flag of Arcadia
The flag of Stormark
The flag of Batavia
