National Day is in August and preparations are well underway for the annual National Day Parade. This is also the time where you’ll notice Singapore’s national flags appearing side by side on various HDB blocks and in private estates and offices.
Flags of a country are usually treated with high regard by the citizens. A national flag is a national symbol, and it reflects the ideals, beliefs and values that the people stand for together.
With this importance comes the guidelines to follow when purchasing, displaying and disposing the Singapore national flag. This is to ensure that the flag is treated with dignity and respect at all times.
Here are places where you can purchase the flag and some guidelines to follow when displaying the national flag at your residential area.
Read Also: 14 Commemorative Coins In Singapore And How Much Do They Cost Today
The Origin Of The Singapore Flag And Its Meaning
Before we head into the finer details, here are some interesting facts you may or may not have known about how our national flag was created.
In 1959, Singapore’s newly elected cabinet made it their task to establish Singapore’s visible symbol of statehood by creating a national flag. More specifically, then Deputy Prime Minister Dr Toh Chin Chye was placed in charge of a committee to create and design Singapore’s national flag to replace the British Union Jack.
Dr Toh was firm in his ideas about the flag including a crescent moon to signify Singapore’s status as a young nation and five stars representing five core principles:
- Democracy
- Justice
- Peace
- Prosperity
- Equality
Interestingly, Dr Toh was initially not a fan of the red and white colour scheme seeing that it was commonly found in other flags as well.
But after careful deliberations, the Legislative Assembly endorsed the red and white flag on 18 November 1959 along with the State Crest and National Anthem.
The red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of man while the white symbolises pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. On 3 December 1959, the national flag was publicly unveiled at the steps of City Hall.
It was when Singapore gained her independence in 1965 that the flag was adopted officially as Singapore’s national flag.
Displaying The Flag And The Rules To Do So
From 1 July to 30 September (National Day celebration period), individuals and businesses are encouraged to display the national flag on offices, building and residential premises, according to National Heritage Board and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). These allowances are part of the relaxed rules implemented during the National Day celebration period.
The relaxed rules also include the display of the national flag as designs on decals, stickers, posters and other visual images. For commercial and advertising use during the National Day celebrations, you need to seek approval from the National Heritage Board.
Outside of the celebratory period, you may display the flag throughout the year as long as the relevant rules are followed. This means that the flag must only be flown on a flagpole and if displayed at night, it has to be properly illuminated.
Places To Buy The National Flag
Previously, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, complimentary Singapore flags were distributed to each household through mail.
Now, residents may purchase their flags from various physical and online retailers. There are no fixed size requirements to follow when purchasing the flag but the official ratio of 3 (length) to 2 (breadth) must be kept.
Here’s a list of popular retailers and ecommerce marketplaces:
| Retailers | Cost of National Flag |
| NTUC FairPrice | $4.90 |
| Cold Storage (Physical stores) |
$3.90 |
| Shopee | From $4.00 |
| Lazada | $4.90 |
| Nam Hoe Industry | $5.00 |
The Proper Way To Display The National Flag
When hanging the flag whether in residential estates or other public areas, it has to be hung against a vertical wall or any vertical flat surface.
The crescent and stars should also be positioned on the top left. Additionally, when displaying the flag outside a building, it should only be displayed on the front of the building without any banners or other decorations covering or placed over it.
What To Do If The Flag Is Dirty And Other Requirements (For National Day Celebrations)
The flag may also be incorporated as an image or as part of any costume or attire as long as it is done in a respectful manner. In the presence of another flag, the Singapore Flag should take precedence and be positioned either above or to the left of other flags as seen by the person facing the flags.
In accordance with the relaxed rules applied during the National Day celebration period, the national flag may be displayed on vehicles, excluding hearses.
In the instance where the flag is dirty or faded, you will need to either wash or replace it.
In the case where the flag is reproduced, in addition to the size ratio, the official colours of the national flag are to be reproduced as well. The red part of the Flag is in the colour, ‘Pantone 032’ while the white part is in the colour ‘Pantone White’.
Image Credit: National Heritage Board
National flags that are reproduced or displayed should not be treated with disrespect and should not showcase any graphics or words covering the design of the flags. The flag should also not be displayed below any other flag or emblem.
When washed, the flag should not be hung to dry with other laundry as well.
How To Properly Dispose Old Flags
You may return old and torn flags to your nearest Residents Committee or Community Centre. Alternatively, if you choose to dispose the flag, you will have to pack it into a sealed black trash bag, and ensure that it will not be visible in trash bins.
Read Also: The Singapore Passport Is Ranked Second In The World: 6 Things You May Not Know About Our Passport
The post Where To Buy The Singapore National Flag And The Dos And Don’ts Of Displaying It appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.
0 Mga Komento