Flags fly at half-mast (or half-staff) as a symbol of respect, mourning, or distress , often to honor the death of significant individuals or mark national or local tragedies. The tradition involves lowering a flag below the top of a pole to symbolize grief or remembrance, with specific protocols on how to raise and lower the flag to half-mast to ensure the act is intentional and ceremonial. This flag position is commonly ordered during national mourning, after the death of government officials, or to honor victims of disasters or violence.
Often, flags are flown half-mast by government order or proclamation on public buildings and sometimes across the nation or state. The practice dates back to at least the 17th century and symbolizes making room for an "invisible flag of death" above the lowered flag, indicating respect for the deceased.
In current contexts, flags might be flying at half-mast to honor recent victims of tragic events or notable deaths as ordered by authorities.
