Flag of the Orange Order facts for kids
 |
|
| Name | Boyne Standard, Orange Standard |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 2:3 |
| Design | Orange flag with a cross of St George in canton defaced with a purple star |
The Flag of the Orange Order is a special flag used by a group called the Orange Order. This group is a Protestant organisation from Northern Ireland. The flag is also known as the Boyne Standard or the Orange Standard. It has an orange background with a purple star. It also features a Saint George's Cross in the top left corner. This cross is a red cross on a white background.
The Orange Order and Its Flag
The Orange Order is a fraternal organisation. This means it is a group of people who share common interests and support each other. The Orange Order was started in 1795. It was formed to remember an important event in history. This event was the victory of the Protestant King William III. He won against the Catholic King James II in a conflict called the Glorious Revolution.
The flag was adopted by the Orange Order soon after the group was formed. People believed it was the flag that King William III used. He supposedly used it as his personal flag during the Battle of the Boyne. This battle was a very important event in history.
How the Flag Has Been Used
The flag of the Orange Order is used officially by the group. It is often carried during special marches called Orange walks. These marches usually happen on The Twelfth of July each year.
The flag has also been used by other groups. For example, Loyalist flute bands sometimes carry it. These bands might be part of Orange walks or other Loyalist parades. Usually, it is allowed to fly the Orange Order flag during these marches.
In the past, fans of the Scottish football team Rangers also waved this flag. This is because the club has historical connections with the Orange Order.
In 2007, the Orange Order created a new symbol for itself. This new symbol was based on the flag. It looks like an orange Luther rose with a purple star in the middle. The name 'Orange Standard' is also used for the official newspaper of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.
Gallery
-
The Boyne Standard flying alongside the Union Jack and the Ulster Banner.
-
The Purple Standard, an inverted version of the Boyne Standard, which is sometimes used in Orange Order marching bands
-
Flag of the Grand Orange Lodge of Australia
-
Flag of the Grand Orange Lodge of Canada
-
Flag of the Grand Orange Lodge of New Zealand
-
Flag of the Loyal Orange Institution of Victoria
