Top 5 for Snake Charmers

This list is dedicated to the magical hypnotists of the world's cutest, cuddliest and most adored creature... the snake. I'm soon journeying to Iceland, so this will be my last blog post until April or May of 2011.

1. Flag of Martinique

The flag of Martinique depicts the Martinique lancehead, a pit viper that is unique to the French island. These snakes can grow one to two metres in length and are venomous. Fortunately, you're not likely to die if you get bit by one of them; the venom causes only a localized reaction. Sometimes it's even used as a healing agent in homeopathic remedies.   

2. Flag of Manipur, India

A snake eating its own tail is a common symbol of cycles and re-creation. There are over 200 species of snakes in India, and snake charmers can be found all over the country. Snakes play a significant role in Indian mythologies and beliefs, and are both feared and revered. They are worshipped each year at a festival called Naga Panchami and Hindu temples have been erected in their honour.

3. Flag of Mexico

This flag with be a favorite of those readers who happen to have ophidiophobia. The coat of arms found in the centre of the Mexican flag illustrates a Mexican Golden Eagle perched on a cactus with a serpent clutched in its talons and beak. According to Aztec legend, a city was to be built where an eagle was found eating a snake on a prickly pear cactus; that city, Tenochtitlan, is now known as Mexico City. 

4. Gadsden Flag (and) 5. First U.S. Navy Jack

Named after American statesman and general Christopher Gadsden, the fourth flag on my list is a historical naval flag of the American Revolution. The rattlesnake is coiled and prepared to strike, but snakes won't attack unless provoked. The Gadsden flag is one of the earliest flags of the United States and it is still flown to this day, its message now directed toward terrorists. The first U.S. Navy Jack, seen below, also utilizes the rattlesnake and the phrase "Don't Tread on Me." The original thirteen colonies are represented in the thirteen layers of the snake's rattle.

Top 5 for Lycanthropes

I've always been fascinated with everything werewolf... lore, movies, books, music, art... and my first published story is about werewolves. This list is my way of giving something back to the lycanthrope community.    

1. Flag of Laos

If you're a lycanthrope, you may appreciate the flag of Laos, its white sphere representing the full moon on the Mekong River. Coincidentally, belief in werewolves is common among the Hmong people of Laos.

2. Flag of Ethiopia

I have chosen this flag for its pentagram. A pentagram found on the palm or forehead may identify a werewolf or the next victim of a werewolf, a Hollywood concept made popular by The Wolf Man.

The werecreature that abounds in Ethiopia is the werehyena. Ethiopians traditionally believe that blacksmiths in particular inherit this ability with their profession. Blacksmiths who transform into hyenas are called bouda, and are thought to rob graves at night.

3. Flag of Palau  

Lycanthropes are not the only beings who become more active during the full moon, depicted here on the flag of Palau. Palauans consider the full moon phase the most favorable time to get things done, including sowing and reaping, tree cutting and canoe carving, not to mention partying.

4. Flag of Morocco

Like the flag of Ethiopia, the central emblem of Morocco's flag is a pentagram, and like Ethiopians, Moroccans believe in werehyenas.

Obviously, the use of the pentagram on these flags has nothing at all to do with werewolves, but hopefully the lycanthropes reading this list take no less enjoyment out of them. The pentagram in this case is a spiritual symbol, representing Morocco's link with Allah, or God.

 5. Flag of Shan State, Myanmar

The full moon is used here again, this time to reflect the ideals of the Shan people, who view the moon as a symbol of purity, gentleness and peace.

Weretigers are reported among the people of Myanmar, these shapeshifters mostly living together in secluded jungle villages. Weretigers are not considered hostile to humans, and may choose to live and work amongst humans, but usually keep their true natures hidden from them.     

Top 5 for Tree Huggers

Thanks to everyone who became a facebook fan or follower of my new blog! I hope some of you are tree huggers, because this list is dedicated to those lovers of the world's majestic oxygen makers. I've chosen flags that have a tree or tree leaf as the primary focus.

1. Flag of Lebanon

"The righteous fluorish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon" (Psalms 92:12)

Topping my list is the flag of Lebanon, home of the Lebanon Cedar, a symbol of immortality and steadiness. There is a woodland in Lebanon titled Forest of the Cedars of God.

2. Flag of Norfolk Island

The tree depicted on the flag of this Australian island is the Norfolk Island Pine. Though now grown elsewhere for use as houseplants and Christmas trees, the species is native to Norfolk Island only. The design of this flag is very similar to the next flag on my list...

3. Canada Flag

A tree hugger's flag list could not be complete without my own nation's flag. Canada has ten varieties of Maple which span the country, including Bigleaf, Black, Douglas, Manitoba, Mountain, Red, Silver, Striped, Sugar and Vine.

4. Flag of South Carolina, USA

During the American Revolution, Palmetto Palm logs were used to build a fort on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, which held strong when attacked by a British fleet in 1776. Sabal Palmetto is the state tree of both South Carolina and Florida.

5. Cascadian Flag

There is a movement toward building a sovereign state, most often called Cascadia (or The Republic of Cascadia), in the Pacific Northwest of North America. British Columbia, Oregon and Washington would be wholly included in this independent nation, and the inclusion of other states and provinces is also a possibility. Of the flag designs proposed for Cascadia, the most recognizable is "Doug," a design which utilizes an image of a Douglas Fir,  a conifer that is common to the region.

 

Top 5 for Fantasy Geeks

I myself am a total fantasy geek, so my first list is dedicated to the D&Ders of the world, the Harry Potheads, and the Lord of the Rings fanatics.

1. Flag of Bhutan

The Bhutanese call their country Druk, or Land of the Thunder Dragon, believing thunder to be the voices of roaring dragons.

2. Flag of Albania

The double-headed eagle is often associated with the Holy Roman and Byzantine Empires, but also appears in many works of fiction, including the film Sinbad's Seventh Voyage.

3. Flag of Wales

Though the origin of the symbol has been lost, popular belief is that the Red Dragon was the battle standard of King Arthur.

4. Xliponian Royal Flag

Xliponia is an imaginary nation in Southern Europe. That's right... imaginary. But I don't care; this is, afterall, a list for fantasy geeks, and The Griffin Flag is pretty stylish.

5. Imperial Dragon Flag of China

This flag is no longer in use, dating back to the late 1800s, used at that time as the State Flag and naval ensign. The Chinese regarded the dragon as a cloud gatherer who brought much needed rain to the land.