Flags are lowered to half-mast or half-staff as a sign of mourning, respect, or tribute after a death or重大 national or local tragedy. Here’s the core idea and how it’s typically used. What half-mast vs half-staff means
- Half-staff (on land): The flag is raised to the top briefly, then lowered to a point roughly halfway down the flagpole. It stays there until the day’s end or until a proclamation is lifted. This indicates mourning or remembrance in many countries, including the United States. [source context: general flag protocol discussions]
- Half-mast (at sea): On ships, the flag is flown at half-mast on the mast. The practice parallels half-staff but uses nautical terminology. [contextual understanding from flag etiquette sources]
When flags are flown at half-mast/half-staff
- After the death of prominent figures (e.g., national leaders, governors, justices, or other public servants), or following major national tragedies, officials may order flags to be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect. Proclamations or official orders often designate the duration. [general etiquette sources and government guidance]
- There are also designated days of remembrance or mourning that trigger this practice, such as national days or memorial events. [general knowledge from flag protocol discussions]
Typical duration and procedures
- Flags are lowered to half-mast for a specified period (often from the day of death through the interment or a designated number of days) and then raised to full staff. Some proclamations specify exact dates; others leave it to the discretion of appropriate authorities. [standard flag code guidance in many jurisdictions]
- When lowering to half-staff, the process generally involves a quick raise to the top, followed by a slow, deliberate lowering to the halfway point; at the end of the period, it is raised again to full staff. [etiquette explanations]
Notes and regional variations
- Terminology and exact protocols can vary by country. In the United States, “half-staff” is the common term on land, while “half-mast” is sometimes used in naval contexts or by some media and regions. Ensure you follow the official proclamation for the specific event and location. [general sources on flag etiquette]
If you’d like, I can pull up the latest official proclamations or current guidelines for half-staff in your country or region and summarize any ongoing or recently announced half-staff orders.
