Vexillolinguistics of Flag Design Styles

There are many standard shapes and designs commonly recognized in vexillology, used across various national and regional flags.

1. Nordic Cross: A cross that extends to the edges of the flag, off-center towards the hoist, as seen in the flags of Scandinavian countries.
2. St. Andrew’s Cross: An X-shaped diagonal cross, used in the flag of Scotland.
3. St. George’s Cross: A red cross on a white field, representing England.
4. Vertical Tricolor: Three vertical stripes of different colors, such as in the flags of France and Italy.
5. Horizontal Tricolor: Three horizontal stripes of different colors, found in flags like Germany and Hungary.
6. Canton: A square or rectangular section, usually in the top hoist corner, containing a distinct symbol or field, as in the United States flag.
7. Saltire: A diagonal cross that divides the flag into four sections, broader than just St. Andrew’s Cross.
8. Crescent: Common in Islamic countries, representing faith or other aspects.
9. Star(s): Used to represent ideals like unity or sovereignty, with various arrangements.
10. Sun: Symbolizing energy, freedom, or unity, with variations like the rising sun in Japan.
11. Chevron: A V-shape pattern, as in the flag of the Czech Republic.
12. Pall: A Y or T-shaped design, dividing the flag into three parts.
13. Bend: A diagonal stripe, which can vary in width, running from the top of the hoist side to the bottom of the fly side.
14. Fimbriation: A thin border or edging around a symbol, often used to separate two colors that might clash or to enhance visibility.
15. Quadrisection: The flag is divided into four equal parts, usually by a cross or saltire, which can be plain or contain different emblems.
16. Bicolor: Two colors divide the flag, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
17. Union Jack: The national flag of the UK used as a canton in other flags to signify historical ties.
18. Field and Charge: A background color (field) with a central symbol or emblem (charge).
19. Triangle(s): Triangular shapes can appear in various positions, such as the hoist side or as a dividing pattern.
20. Circle: A circular shape or emblem centered or off-center on the flag, symbolizing unity, the sun, or other elements.
21. Rayed Star: A star with rays extending from it, often representing a radiant sun.
22. Crosses of different forms: Besides St. George, St. Andrew, and the Nordic cross, crosses can come in various stylized forms, representing different historical or cultural significances.
23. Stripes of varying numbers and arrangements: Beyond tricolors, flags can have multiple stripes in different patterns, widths, and orientations.

These design elements and shapes form the foundational vocabulary of flag design, allowing for a vast range of symbolism, identity expression, and historical reference in flags around the world.