Summary
Flag throwing (color guard) is an art and sport mixed all into one. Flag throwing tends to coordinate with marching bands all throughout the world. It has become a competitive art that takes place in schools all over the world.
History edit
The art of flag throwing dates back to medieval guilds (principally in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Flanders, and Southern Netherlands). A guild's banner or flag was considered a symbol of purity, and as such it was not allowed to touch the ground.
Types edit
There are two major categories of flag throwing: classical and acrobatic. In classical flag throwing, the flag is turned left and right around the body in a standing posture. In acrobatic flag throwing, the thrower uses both hands to move the flag in a sitting, lying, or kneeling posture.
References edit
External links edit
- Federazione italiana Sbandieratori The Italian official flag throwing federation.
- Lega italiana Sbandieratori The Italian flag-throwing league.
- Flag throwing, on Flags Of The World website.
- SbandierAutori – An Italian book on the flag throwers tradition
- Alfieri's "La Bandiera" – Information on Francesco Alfieri's treatise on flag waving, 'La Bandiera', published in 1638