# Do nations other than the US have specific protocols for folding their flags?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nations-other-than-the-us-have-specific-protocols-for-folding-their-flags/766848>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 25, 2016, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nations-other-than-the-us-have-specific-protocols-for-folding-their-flags/766848 "2016-09-25T18:17:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2016, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nations-other-than-the-us-have-specific-protocols-for-folding-their-flags/766848/21 "2016-09-26T15:51:57Z")

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> [@Francis\_Vaughan](#):
>
> …For instance the flag was not to be flown outside after dusk. Quite a few flags in Oz are seen at night now, but I would assume flags that are illuminated get a pass on this rule…

One thing that’s changed is that flags used to be generally made of cotton, and likely to mildew or rot if left out overnight to often. Now they are often nylon, which is much more resistant to getting damp from evening dew.

The rules aren’t completely arbitrary, even if elements are arbitrary.

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**Author:** ![Quercus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/7ab992/32.png) [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2016, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nations-other-than-the-us-have-specific-protocols-for-folding-their-flags/766848/22 "2016-09-26T16:04:18Z")

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> [@Chronos](#):
>
> I think the state of Ohio has an official procedure for folding our flag, but that’s just because nobody would be able to figure it out without instructions.

Well, nobody from Ohio, anyway.

Hey, at least the average Buckeye can read instructions! Could be worse! 😃

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**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\
**Post date:** [September 26, 2016, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nations-other-than-the-us-have-specific-protocols-for-folding-their-flags/766848/23 "2016-09-26T16:14:35Z")

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I am reasonably certain that when Americans who own flags need to fold them, the vast majority just do it any way that seems convenient.

The Proper Care Of The Flag Militia mainly exists in the form of occasional outraged letters-to-the-editor writers.

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