Why the American Flag Is Folded into a Triangle
You’ve probably seen the American flag — originally designed by Betsy Ross — folded into a triangle, and you might be wondering why this is tradition. The American flag is a symbol of the sacrifice of generations of hardworking men and women and the freedoms the country enjoys today as a result.
Because of what the American flag represents, it should be treated with the utmost respect. One of the ways to show this respect is through the deliberate way the flag is folded. The tradition is deeply rooted in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Here’s a bit of information about the history of this folding method and the symbolism it represents.
The Symbolism of Flag Folded into Triangle
In order to get the American flag to look like a triangle, it has to be folded thirteen times. Here is what each fold represents according to tradition:
- The symbol of life
- Belief in eternal life
- The veterans who have given their lives to defend our country
- The weakness of human nature and how American citizens put trust in God
- The United States as a whole
- Allegiance to the flag
- Tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces
- Tribute to those who have died
- Honoring womanhood
- Honoring Fatherhood
- The glorifying of the God of Isaac, Jacob, and Abraham in the eyes of Hebrew citizens
- The glorifying of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost in the eyes of Christian citizens
- Tribute to the nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”
But why a triangle shape? This goes back to the history of the tri-cornered hat, worn by the founding fathers and George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The triangle is a powerful symbol of what the nation has gone through to become the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Practical Uses of the Triangle
The triangle shape also serves a practical purpose. When the flag needs to be stored for an extended period of time, folding it into a triangle helps preserve the fabric and lessen wear and tear.
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