The Palatine Pages Vol.1 - About Our Flag and the Rule of Tincture

The Palatine Pages - Vol. 1

Greetings from Aspenwald,

In this inaugural issue of "The Palatine Pages," we explore a topic close to the heart of any nation - our flag. It's a symbol that represents our identity, values, and aspirations. A flag is, of course, the most immediate way to identify any nation, country, kingdom, estate, or polity. It must be bold, easily recognizable, and (in my opinion) deeply symbolic.

The official state flag, or Staatsflagge

On the 10th of January this year I issued my first proclamation (PROCLAMATION 0001: Prescribing flags for the Electorate of Aspenwald) to officially designate a state flag. 

The North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) has drafted up a list of five rules for how to make a good flag. These are:

1. Keep it simple: The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory.
2. Use meaningful symbolism: The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.
3. Use 2-3 basic colors: Limit the number of colors on the flag to three which contrast well and come from the standard color set.
4. No lettering or seals: Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal.
5. Be distinctive or be related: Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections.

I sought, therefore, to follow these rules as closely as possible, and the final flag as prescribed by PROCLAMATION 0001 is: “an array of 21 or more lozenges of gold and white”. Today, I'd like to take a moment to explain some of the thought and symbolism that went into designing our flag.

Gold

The gold lozenges on the flag represent the wealth and prosperity of Aspenwald, not in terms of material wealth, but rather in the richness of our culture, traditions, and heritage. Further, the gold color signifies wisdom and enlightenment, hinting at our commitment to education, learning, and intellectual growth. It’s an invitation to the quest for knowledge and the virtues of wisdom, embodying our shared belief in the power of an enlightened mind.

White

The white lozenges are a symbol of purity, a nod towards our commitment to truth and justice. They represent our dedication to the betterment of our people and our County Palatine with pure intent and unfettered resolve.

The Lozenge Pattern

The lozenge pattern itself, a distinct reference to (yet significant enough departure from that I don't believe it to break NAVA's 5th rule) the iconic Bavarian flag, binds us to our rich Anglo-Germanic roots. Each lozenge, interlinked and dependent on the other, represents the interconnectedness of our society. It is a reminder that each citizen, in his or her own unique capacity, contributes to the unity and strength of Aspenwald.

Tincture and Tradition: Heraldry and Vexillology

Those acquainted with the principles of heraldry might note an apparent departure in our flag's design: the so-called "rule of tincture." This heraldic tradition dictates that metal colors (white or silver, and yellow or gold) should not be placed on other metals, and colored fields ("colors") should not be placed on other colors. The purpose? To ensure adequate contrast and visibility from a distance. So why does Aspenwald's flag feature gold on white? The answer lies in the distinction between heraldry and vexillology - the study of flags.

While heraldry and vexillology share common roots and many principles, they diverge in crucial aspects. Flags have their own design conventions, often evolving in response to practical considerations such as visibility on a pole, or symbolic ones tied to national narratives or aesthetic choices.

A Vexillological View

Indeed, many well-known flags eschew the rule of tincture. The gold-on-white cross on the flag of the historic Kingdom of Jerusalem, the yellow-on-white of the Holy See and Vatican City, even the famous rainbow Pride Flag - these are but a few examples of flags that, like ours, favor meaningful design over strict adherence to heraldic rules.

Aspenwald's Flag: A Symbol of Pride

So, while we respect the traditions of tincture in heraldry, in Aspenwald, we revel in the freedom and flexibility that vexillology offers. Our flag, in its gold and white glory, is a testament to our open-mindedness, progressive values, and willingness to chart our own course. It's a symbol we carry with pride, and a standard under which we all unite.

In Conclusion

I extend my warmest appreciation for your interest and engagement. Through The Palatine Pages, I hope to engage in more casual conversation with you by sharing my thoughts and ramblings on a variety of interests that affect us here in Aspenwald.

- Michael