Vexillology

Flag of the Fédération internationale des associations vexillologiques.
Flag of the Fédération internationale des associations vexillologiques.

Vexillology is the scholarly study of flags. The term was coined around 1957 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. It was originally considered a sub-discipline of heraldry, and occasionally is still seen as such. A person who studies flags is a vexillologist, and by extension, someone who designs or draws flags is occcasionally called a vexillographer.

The word vexillology is a synthesis of the Latin word vexillum and the suffix –ology meaning "study of". 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 a vertical side, the square vexillum was suspended from a horizontal crossbar along its top side, which 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 the International Congress of Vexillology (ICV 2005 was in Buenos Aires, Argentina). Internet activity of vexillologists is centered on the Flags of the World website and mailing list.

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