Flag of the United Kingdom |
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St George's Cross plus St Andrew's Cross made up the
first Union flag in 1606
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The issue of
whether it is acceptable to use the term "Union
Jack" is one that causes considerable controversy.
Although it is often asserted that "Union Jack"
should only be used for the flag when it is flown as
a jack (a small flag flown at the bow of a ship).
It is not
universally accepted that the "Jack" of "Union Jack" is
a reference to such a jack flag; other explanations
have been put forward. The term possibly dates from the
early 1700s, but its origin is uncertain. The word
Jack may have come from the name of James VI, King
of Scots who inherited the English crown, causing
the flag to be designed, that is Jac from Jacobus, Latin
for James.
The size and power of the Royal Navy internationally at the
time could also explain why the flag was nicknamed the
"Union Jack"; considering the navy was so widely utilized
and renowned by the United Kingdom and Commonwealth
countries.
It is possible that the term "Jack" did occur due to its
regular usage on all British ships using the "Jack Staff"
(a flag pole attached to a ship on the bow), indeed the
term 'Jack' is used for sailors, hence the phrase 'Jack of
all trades'.
Even if the term "Union Jack" does derive from the jack flag
(as perhaps seems most likely), after three centuries, it
is now sanctioned by usage, has appeared in official
usage, and remains the popular
term.
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The image shown below
highlights the construction of the eventual "Union Jack"
.
After the flag of Ireland was merged the final
image
became known as the Union Jack
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TheArticleTimes.com
Author: Peter
Charalambos
Granted Expert Author Status
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Author
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