Civilizations started as distinct groupings of clans or family related individuals. Then as each clan grew because of inter-marriage and migration from different tribes, each member becomes an integral part of a clan. Now, to distinguish one from the other, a set of identifying symbol has to be maintained. And as this practice continues to be popular it was adapted by almost everybody. So, from the royal family, to the knights of Europe and even to the lowly citizens, had engaged their tribal artists to develop
family crest flags . Thus in the event of war, each family is obliged to send a handful of soldiers, of course carrying their family insignia.
This is also mentioned in the historical development of Japan, where areas had been subdivided among warlords. As neighboring warlords engaged in attacks against each other due to agricultural gains, each family had to arm itself from aggression, thus the Samurai class was born. So in the event of foreign invasion, each family sends his Samurai to defend the country against the invading forces. This type of governing a feudal system is also practiced much of Asia, including the vast China mainland.
These family symbols were considered to be almost sacred, particularly those crest flags that were designed for families that existed during the ancient times of maybe long before the French Revolution. They continued the family tradition and up to the present these flags are still reproduced or made by the recent members of the family. You can call them sentimental but the truth is, they are just really proud of their ancestors and family traditions.
by:
The Flagman
