National‑Day Treats & Your New Flag Accessory
Did you just open up your National Day Funpack (aka the NDP Singapore Together Pack)? The big, beautiful flag inside is almost too tempting to keep in line with your fashion game. But hold your applause—there are a few things you should remember about the iconic red‑white banner before you strut it around town.
The Flag’s Cool Factor
- Size Matters: It’s a full‑sized flag—big enough to be seen from a mile away or the little one that fits right into your backpack.
- Colour Pride: The deep reds and crisp whites are more than just a pretty backdrop—each hue has its own story.
- Symbology: The tricolour story packs a punch of history and determination.
What It Looks Like
Picture a canvas studded with our “bersih” (clean) flag, where the red line moves all the way from one corner to the other, while the white line frames it at a 60° angle. The crest is always front‑and‑center—bold, unmistakable, and unmistakably Singapore.
How to Take Advantage
- Display Style: Whether you’re waving it in the park or placing it on your pillow, remember it’s meant to be an emblem of pride.
- Cherish It: Snap photos, make it a backdrop for your at‑home photoshops, or use it to personalize your space.
- Respect the Flag: Keep it clean, and avoid letting it get zapped by rainy weather or burnt sun—just like we’d protect a pretty t-shirt from allergic stains.
Legal Stuff & Etiquette
Do as the Singapore law says:
- Flag the flag with reverence, even if it’s a new
- Be mindful of where you put big flags—trading them for decently sized flags while respecting city norms.
Keep it Clean & Fabulous
Flip it in a quick wash, or in a clothesline by the rough beach. Respect the flag’s time to turn crisp. If it gets wrangled, don’t worry—just a quick iron and voila!
Share with Cheer
Like a selfie with the flag upstairs, it can turn into a social media blast that brings us all together. It’s the best pick-me‑up for National Day gatherings.
One Flag, Different Uses
We’re here to remind you that the flag’s a true icon—you can let it inherit from the moment of your National Day adventure and hold it proud forever.
It didn’t always look this way
Flag Fiasco—No Crescent, No Star
Picture the moment: a brand‑new flag rolls out, shining under the spotlight, the crowd buzzing, everyone ready to shout, “Crescent and star, here we go!” But the twist? It’s completely missing that iconic crescent-and-star design the whole country had been dreaming of.
- Maybe the designers thought—“Let’s go bold and ditch tradition.”
- Or perhaps someone simply misplaced the motif during the layout process.
- In any case, fans are left with a flag that feels more like a blank canvas than the star‑burst symbol they expected.
A Flag That Went Through a Mid‑Life Crisis
Picture this: the future prime minister of Singapore – yes, the man who later became the seminal leader of a nation that’s now a tech hub – was toying with a flag back in 1965. He was Toh Chin Chye, who in those days was the Deputy Prime Minister of a little island that would soon become the capital of the world’s most efficient grocery run.
The “Three Star” Beginning
Its first incarnation looked like a sleek, modern sundial: a bright red background, a gleaming white crescent, and a trio of bold stars perched on the top half. Dr Toh explained that each of those three stars stood for democracy, justice, and equality – the kind of virtues that feel good when you’re writing a history textbook.
A Misunderstanding with the Communists
But—plot twist—there was a dash of paranoia. The Malayan Communist Party also used a trio of stars. Toh was worried the new flag would look like a copy‑cat defamation. “I felt a pinch of anxiety that folks might think, ‘Hey, isn’t this a communist flag?’” he told the press. So, a decision was made: add two more stars.
- One extra star = prosperity
- Another = peace
Now there were five stars, neatly lining up with the five ethnic groups that constitute Singapore’s cultural tapestry.
Crescent and Cultural Assurance
The crescent moon wasn’t just a pretty garnish. It was a declaration that Singapore was a fresh‑mint republic, a new-born country ready to chomp its way into adulthood. And frankly, it offered reassurance to the Malay and Muslim communities: We’re not a Chinese state. It’s all about that big‑family vibe.
Why a Flag Matters
Flipping back to the present, you’ll notice how the flag overhead at Changi Airport keeps reminding everyone that something as simple as a ribbon of a flag can walk full into your heart. In short, the flag that has slid into place is the culmination of a fun, thoughtful, and, at times, cautious brainstorming session by a man who knew the power of symbolism could balance the delicate political scales.
Households weren’t always allowed to display it
Bouncing Singapore Flags: Eyelets in HDB Flats
Picture this: it’s the year 1986. Singapore is 20‑plus years in the making, the city‑state is humming with progress, and a chatty psychologist named Richard Wong has a bright idea that’s about to change the way every HDB flat displays its colors.
Wong, the deputy director of psychological defence in the Ministry of Communications and Information, had a vision: give every flag little eyelets so it can be hung on any surface. He pitched it to the Housing & Development Board (HDB). And guess what? They said, “Sure thing!” They quoted a budget of $320,000, and the eyelets were added in a seamless post‑fit fashion. The result? From that point on, every new HDB flat came with its own built‑in flag‑hanging hub.
Now that the public’s got this nifty convenience, the question is—what’s the playbook on flag etiquette? Below is the low‑down on the Do’s and Don’ts for striking that Singapore‑speak.
Do’s
- Hang your flag straight – no crooked vibes. The eyelets help keep that shape.
- Use the official colour scheme (red, white, and blue) or simple designs promoting patriotism.
- Display the flag when you’re hosting guests or celebrating a national holiday.
- Make sure the flag is visible and well‑illuminated – a bright day or a nice lamp can do wonders.
- Keep the flag tidy – flip it whenever it catches dust or pests; fresh is the way to go.
Don’ts
- Don’t lean the flag against any body or animal – it’s a symbol, not a couch cushion.
- Don’t put it in rain or let it get damp. Dampness turns patriotism into a soggy mess.
- Never fold the flag in a crinkly, disrespectful way. Treat it like you’d treat a fancy collectible.
- Avoid placing the flag below the size of a cassette tape or a giant billboard – proportions matter.
- Keep out of cigarette smoke, or the flag will look like it’s wearing a barbecue shirt.
That’s the simple, stylish set of rules for enjoying your HDB flag‑hanging eyelets. Hang it up, stay proud, and keep the spirit soaring free as the flag‑flyer in every Singaporean home.
Do: Place it in a position of honour
Singapore’s Flag Etiquette: First Things First
Here’s the quick‑and‑easy scoop on how to handle the national flag when you’re around in sunny Singapore.
Flag Rank #1: National Flag Rules
- Top‑of‑the‑line: The Singapore flag must always trump any other flags in the vicinity.
- Prime Position: If you’ve got more than one flag, the national flag should sit on the tallest flagpole. Think of it as the VIP spot.
- Same Height? When every pole is the same height, glide that flag to the leftmost pole from the viewpoint of an onlooker.
How It Looks When It’s Solo
When the Singapore flag is the only one up there, the National Heritage Board advises leaning into the centerpiece: place it on the middle flagpole. That’s why you’ll often see the flag gracefully striding right through the heart of the display.
Why It Matters
Following these simple guidelines keeps the flag’s dignity intact and shows respect for the nation’s proud symbols. Plus, it keeps everyone—be they locals or tourists—confident that the flag’s in the right spot.
Don’t: Display it in the dark
Putting the Flag in Its Proper Light
We all know the flag is a symbol of pride, but it’s also got a “no‑dark‑zone” rule. Flying it without proper illumination is considered disrespectful—just like showing up to a party in the dark.
Basic Do’s & Don’ts
- Lower it before sunset. Give your flag a graceful night‑time exit.
- Raise it only after sunrise. Respect the gentle wake‑up of the day.
- Don’t parade it in the dark. Either light it up or keep it off.
Bright Ideas for Nighttime Pride
Thinking about keeping the flag visible after dusk? A good light source can do the trick:
- Invest in a spotlight—a simple, elegant option that keeps the flag shining bright.
- Choose a durable, weather‑proof model that can stand the test of night and weather.
In short, flag etiquette is simple: respect the light, respect the flag, and keep it bright and proud.
Do: Display it in front of a building
Flag Placement Guidelines
Planning to show off your flag outside a building? Make sure the flag’s either on the building or right in front of it. Think of it like a giant selfie: if it’s not touching or next to the building, it’s basically invisible.
- On the building: Use a porch‑post, side‑wall pole, or a flag‑sized banner right on the exterior.
- In front of the building: A freestanding flag pole just outside the entrance will do the trick.
Don’t: Use it for commercial purposes
National Day Flag Laws: No Free Ad Time, Just a Cold Approval
When the Sun goes down for National Day, the flag rules get a holiday buff—think of it as the flag’s “summer sale.” But keep in mind: that’s only for the celebrations. Outside that window, you cannot use the flag in any commercial ad or advertising buzz without a story‑teller’s approval, taken seriously by the flag stewards.
Quick FAQ: Flag & Advertising
- Outside National Day? No sale. No ad. The flag’s not on the bargain shelf.
- Need an exception? Slide in a request. Approval means the flag’s curator will weigh your pitch.
- How is it decided? Each ask is judged as a fresh case—no “one‑size‑fits‐all” rule.
What to Do If You Love the Flag
If you’re dreaming of a billboard or a banner, make the flag’s guardian your friend: Submit a clear, one‑off request explaining why your ad is special. Remember, it’s a selective club—the flag’s folks decide look‑by-look.
P.S. — Keep it Blue.
For the time being, best play is to save the flag for the official celebrations. If you’ve got a truly brilliant concept that needs the flag’s star power outside the festive period, aim for that case‑by‑case nod. Good luck!
Do: Ensure it is kept clean
Why Flipping the Flag During a Storm Is a Major No-No
Ever seen a flag get upended while a thunderstorm is raging? Not only does it look like a wild page‑turner, but it’s also seen as a sign of disrespect to the institution the flag represents.
When to Let That Flicker Down
- Pre‑emptive Fold: Whenever the sky looks like it’s auditioning for a sci‑fi blockbuster, let the flag drop before the rain starts.
- Stay Humble: Even a quick flick can feel like a slap in the face to the folks who genuinely care about the flag’s symbolism.
Washing the Flag—A Separate Task
- No Mixing with Laundry: Wash it, dry it, but keep that flag off the family washing line. Keep those vibes tight and separate.
- Gentle Care: Treat it like a prized heirloom—no harsh detergents or dingy machine towels.
Bottom line: Respect the flag like you’d respect the best scratch‑applied vinyl on your favorite vinyl collection. If you’re going to catch it in the middle of a storm, hold it down first.
Don’t: Bin it inappropriately
Flag Care 101: Don’t Let Your Pennant Pender
We all know that flag is the star of the parade, a symbol of pride that waves proudly.
But what happens when that emblem starts to look like it’s been through a rough tumble?
If it’s torn, faded or just plain rocking a “miles‑lost” vibe, it’s time to retire it—
and do it right.
Step One: Spot the Flags That Need an Exit
- Visible Tears: Ripples that show through the fabric.
- Color Fading: When the colors bleed like a bad watercolor.
- Severed Threads: Loose ends that could trip the next parade.
Step Two: Give the Fallen Flag a Respectful Send‑Off
Think of this as a tiny graduation ceremony—you’re letting it out of the country with style.
- Fold the flag in a neat, respectful way (no creases that look like a storm).
- Place the folded flag inside a sealed black trash bag—the ultimate “no‑pee‑pee” coat.
- Seal the bag properly to keep the flag’s dignity intact—you wouldn’t want it sneaking out.
- Dispose of the bag in the designated trash bin, preferably one that actually cares about environmental respect.
Why This Matters
Even a flag that’s seen better days still represents a lot of history and emotion. Proper disposal is a bit like saying “goodbye” with a bow. It keeps the tradition clean and our conscience clear.
Quick Tip
Use the right bag. A standard trash bag is fine—just make sure it’s black and sealed. The color helps you identify it at a glance; the seal keeps the flag from looking like it’s ripped off a dumpster.
Remember
“Torn and worn-out flags should no longer be displayed. When disposing of the flag, it should be packed into a sealed black trash bag.” Because a
flag that’s sad or shabby shouldn’t be the center of attention—it should be the last flag waving before the new one does.
Do: Be proud
Flag Pride During the Pandemic
When the world was stuck inside its own bubble, one bright souvenir stayed outside the lockdown—our flag. It wasn’t just a piece of cloth; it became the go‑to loyalty sticker for the nation.
People rang up, wrote postcards, and even sent whole letters to the authorities, begging: “Let’s wave the flag, folks!” They wanted the flag to shout unity, give a huge thanks to tired front‑liners, and remind everyone still inside that they were not alone.
Why the flag mattered more than ever
- Solidarity Booster – Popping the flag off the posts, it chirped a loud “we’re in this together” message.
- Mood‑Lifting Marvel – A splash of colors turned out to be the best filter for dark times, boosting those stuck in rooms without windows.
- Respectful Tribute – Even a flag can whisper applause for the brave who kept the lights on while we all kept the rooms quiet.
Takeaway
In a time when we scrambled for contactless solutions, the flag reminded us that a simple gesture can stitch a nation together faster than any app could. So next time your flag’s up, know you’re already waving more than words—you’re waving hope, thanks, and a whole lot of patriotism.
