Re: HIST: Flags
- To: <iris-talk@onelist.com>
- Subject: Re: [iris-talk] HIST: Flags
- From: J* a* C* W*
- Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 18:59:00 -0600
From: "Jeff and Carolyn Walters" <jcwalters@bridgernet.com>
> From: "Michael D. Greenfield"
>
> Does anyone know how it is that some people call iris flags?
Michael,
The English word 'flag' as used for banners and for irises is derived from
a Danish word 'flaeg', meaning "to flutter". This term was applied
independently to both banners and irises because they share the
characteristics of being conspicuous and fluttering in the breeze. Banners
are not named for irises nor irises for banners.
BTW, the 'flag' in flagstones, which do not flutter, is derived from a
different, Old Norse word 'flaga', meaning "stone slab".
Jeff Walters in northern Utah (USDA Zone 4/5, Sunset Zone 2)
jcwalters@bridgernet.com
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
ATTENTION ONElist MEMBERS: Get your ONElist news!
Join our MEMBER NEWSLETTER here:
<a href=" http://clickme.onelist.com/ad/newsletter3 ">Click Here</a>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
