The Ultimate Guide To Paper Flags

Introduction
When you think of the term Paper flags do you think of the crowds of people standing at the roadside while the Queen goes by waving little flags like mad? Those little flags you see can be also known as hand waving flags. They are small paper flags which can be printed on one or both sides and they are mounted on a plastic stick so they can be held in the hand for waving in a crowd. These paper flags are colourful, attractive, and economical. They have become really popular, particularly over recent years, just try not to wave one as soon as it is given to you! I bet you wont be able to help yourself!

History
Paper did not appear in the western world until the early 1300s so it would have been some time later that the earliest know form of small flags were cut out of paper. These were usually religious in character and today, thousands of colourful cut-paper flags which depict various mythological and religious figures are produced in China for annual festivals. Can you remember when you were a child cutting rows of patterns, sometimes figures of girls or boys from folded paper? This is the handed down tradition of Scherenschnitte which is the German for “scissors” cutting, which is often translated as “silhouette” a practise which became popular in Austria in the seventeenth century. From this time a whole tradition of cut paper art has evolved around the world, such as the shadow puppets of Indonesia and the common tissue-paper flags of Mexico known as Papel Picado.

Current Usage
Youngsters particularly enjoy waving flags during festivals, shows or exhibitions. Paper flags however are more commonly used today to advertise and promote sporting events, fund raising projects or special occasions. Printed paper flags are a wonderful way of catching the eye and can be a profitable way of advertising for any event. Colourful paper flags are attractive, economical to produce and ever popular.

In the world of football paper flags for supporters are used by the true sports fans. Whether it’s the World Championship, the Premier League, or a local cup final, supporters with their paper flags, show their true dedication. That is why paper flags for supporters are the top choice of some of the top clubs and soccer leagues in the world.

Paper flags are economical to manufacture and can be purchased at unbelievably low throw-away prices. A huge range of samples of printed flags are available as printers of paper flags will generally hold back a few items from each run as examples. These will all relate to real, fund raising campaigns, world promotions, product launches, and sports teams events.

There is a huge selection of artwork to choose from to enhance custom made paper flags because the print area is flat and a set size. The only limitations are an individual’s imagination (and the size of the flag too of course).

They can be ordered in various quantities required as they are usually quick to manufacture and easy to deliver.

Obviously paper flags are great for other promotional events, such as VIP visits, sales events and advertising. You can get paper flags with your own promotional message or custom printed logo on one or both sides and they can also be used as promotional gifts. One of the values of using small hand held flags for different promotional events, is that they are very easy to produce in large or small quantities at a very low cost. Because they are digitally printed there will be the best possible quality finish to the flags.

Conclusion
I am sure very few people will have given much consideration to small hand held flags until there is an occasion when they want to make use of them. Then what happens? At one time people would go to a specialist store that stocked such items. Now they will probably look them up on the internet. Such has our world evolved. Purchasers no longer have to make do with standard designs. They can select from a vast range of ready prepared ideas available, into which their personal messages can be incorporated.

Printed flags or hand held paper flags are a useful low cost promotional resource which can be used in many creative ways. So do not be limited by the images of small children waving little flags while royalty go by, and see what exciting and differing ideas you can come up with for your next promotional campaign. Have fun!