We all love bunting, no-one more than us here at The Flag Shop! What’s not to like, you may well say? Well maybe not everybody loves it, but it’s fair to say that even the hardest heart would admit that the presence of some pretty bunting does brighten things up, not to mention enabling people to show support or patriotism for a particular event.
We seem to see it being used more and more nowadays, and why not? So we all know what bunting is, but where did the concept, and even the name, come from?
Origins….
Since the beginning of the 17th century, bunting (or bunt) has been created for a variety of purposes, such as producing ribbons and flags, including signal flags for the Royal Navy. To communicate between ships, miniature flags were employed. One well-known instance of this numeric flag code was Lord Nelson's message on HMS Victory at the commencement of the Battle of Trafalgar. His words "England expects that every man will do his duty" were signalled by sailors raising 31 different coloured banners.
This flag code was replaced with one that stated "Engage the enemy more closely," which stayed up until the end of the battle, even after its creator had met his end!
At some point, this Navy-based usage morphed over into the general public domain and here we are today, regularly adorning things with beautiful bunting! Interestingly though, the Royal Navy sailors who hoist up the ship’s flag are still today known as a ‘bunting tosser,’ or a ‘bunt’ for short.
Celebration, Events & Occasions….
Bunting = Celebration. It’s that simple!
When you think bunting, it’s fair to say you probably first think of large events, milestones and celebrations. After all, that’s usually been the case, whether it’s to commemorate huge patriotic events like Royal Weddings or anniversaries, or at large gatherings like festivals. Often we use it to help show support for the nation in sporting events such as the World Cup, Euros or Olympics etc..
In fact, before too long at all we’ll all be seeing an explosion of bunting uses as the UK prepares to mark the first new monarch coronation for over 70 years when King Charles III is officially crowned in May 2023! Giant Union Jack bunting will no doubt be lining all of the nation’s towns and cities, not to mention all of the smaller communities and villages making fabulous use of Red, white & blue bunting to dress its village halls, hedgerows and pubs. It will be a sight to behold!
Don't think it's just used for exterior decoration too - Increasingly, many creative decorative types are employing their bunting-based bravado in their homes, conservatories and porches for many different reasons. In the same way a garden hedge or wall is majorly cheered up by some well-placed colourful bunting, so is a plain room or area that may also need a lift for a specific event or day!
The Facelift Effect….
It is surely impossible to deny the cosmetic boost that nice bunting gives - What street or space is not significantly improved by some pretty, vibrant decor being strewn nicely across it?? We all appreciate that lampposts, walling and sides of buildings have their own specific purpose, but looking jolly is definitely not one of them! So why not add some sparkle to everyone’s day by adorning them (appropriately, of course) with some bunting decoration that helps do just that?
Memories…
Look back at some treasured family photo albums and we’re willing to bet there will be at least a few, if not loads, that incorporate some kind of bunting scene in the background. It may be yourself or family members in some misty, distant moment all the way back in 1977 marking Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, an event which possibly saw more usages of Union Jack bunting than any other in living memory!! Or maybe from more recent regal celebrations, or even from the lockdown-forced community distanced events such as the 75th anniversary of VE Day in 2020. Possibly some of the valued photos include some birthday bunting, a great way to make the lucky person’s special day that bit more pretty! They might just be of family summer garden parties or barbecues, where the colourful bunting helped frame a lovely scene to be captured for posterity. Whatever the reasons, for many of us it clearly plays a small part in making the backdrop to many happy memories.
Why is this? Because bunting is generally there to help mark a celebratory event or party - And how do people generally feel at these events? Happy! Nothing beats a happy scene for a photograph, so many of our cherished moments in time can be played out in front of a memorable backdrop. Let’s continue this lovely tradition and keep Britain Bunting Beautiful!
Here at The Flag Shop we’re officially (and proudly) bunting crazy, so make sure you check out our hefty range of all things bunting and see what tickles your fancy! You’ll be in the celebratory mood in no time….