Flying the flag: Decoding sailings secret symbols

From delicate silk 19th-century Chinese flags to bold Nazi Germany prints, the extensive collection of fabrics is an intriguing porthole into another time.

'Flags are symbols -- of national identity, affiliation, pride, and even submission. After all, when a ship surrendered it raised a white flag,' James Davey, the museum's curator of naval history, told CNN.

READ MORE: The real-life 'Moscow Merman'



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These vivid fabrics have also left their mark on the English language.

'During wartime it was common practice to hoist the flag of the enemy, only to run up your own colors just before firing,' Davey says.

'The common phrase 'to show one's true colors' derives from this activity.'

READ MORE: Step inside the 'ghost fleet' graveyard

With the rise of high-tech communication systems, ships today are not so reliant on such a messaging system.

But one thing hasn't changed -- flying a flag embodies the nationality, ownership, and unique character of every vessel.

We asked museum curators for a sneak peek at 10 of their most fascinating flags.

Scroll through the gallery above to unlock their secret symbolism -- and tell us your favorite on CNN Sport's Facebook page

Like this story? Get more nautical news at cnn.com/sailing

'Flags are symbols -- of national identity, affiliation, pride, and even submission. After all, when a ship surrendered it raised a white flag,' James Davey, the museum's curator of naval history, told CNN. 'The common phrase 'to show one's true colors' derives from this activity.' 'During wartime it was common practice to hoist the flag of the enemy, only to run up your own colors just before firing,' Davey says. Like this story? Get more nautical news at cnn.com/sailing Like this story? Get more nautical news at cnn.com/sailing 'Flags are symbols -- of national identity, affiliation, pride, and even submission. After all, when a ship surrendered it raised a white flag,' James Davey, the museum's curator of naval history, told CNN. 'The common phrase 'to show one's true colors' derives from this activity.' Like this story? Get more nautical news at cnn.com/sailing With the rise of high-tech communication systems, ships today are not so reliant on such a messaging system. READ MORE: Step inside the 'ghost fleet' graveyard Like this story? Get more nautical news at cnn.com/sailing READ MORE: Step inside the 'ghost fleet' graveyard But one thing hasn't changed -- flying a flag embodies the nationality, ownership, and unique character of every vessel. But one thing hasn't changed -- flying a flag embodies the nationality, ownership, and unique character of every vessel. Scroll through the gallery above to unlock their secret symbolism -- and tell us your favorite on CNN Sport's Facebook page But one thing hasn't changed -- flying a flag embodies the nationality, ownership, and unique character of every vessel. From delicate silk 19th-century Chinese flags to bold Nazi Germany prints, the extensive collection of fabrics is an intriguing porthole into another time. We asked museum curators for a sneak peek at 10 of their most fascinating flags. 'During wartime it was common practice to hoist the flag of the enemy, only to run up your own colors just before firing,' Davey says. Scroll through the gallery above to unlock their secret symbolism -- and tell us your favorite on CNN Sport's Facebook page With the rise of high-tech communication systems, ships today are not so reliant on such a messaging system. 'During wartime it was common practice to hoist the flag of the enemy, only to run up your own colors just before firing,' Davey says. These vivid fabrics have also left their mark on the English language. READ MORE: Step inside the 'ghost fleet' graveyard Like this story? Get more nautical news at cnn.com/sailing READ MORE: The real-life 'Moscow Merman' We asked museum curators for a sneak peek at 10 of their most fascinating flags. Like this story? Get more nautical news at cnn.com/sailing Scroll through the gallery above to unlock their secret symbolism -- and tell us your favorite on CNN Sport's Facebook page We asked museum curators for a sneak peek at 10 of their most fascinating flags. From delicate silk 19th-century Chinese flags to bold Nazi Germany prints, the extensive collection of fabrics is an intriguing porthole into another time. But one thing hasn't changed -- flying a flag embodies the nationality, ownership, and unique character of every vessel. READ MORE: Step inside the 'ghost fleet' graveyard From delicate silk 19th-century Chinese flags to bold Nazi Germany prints, the extensive collection of fabrics is an intriguing porthole into another time. 'During wartime it was common practice to hoist the flag of the enemy, only to run up your own colors just before firing,' Davey says. From delicate silk 19th-century Chinese flags to bold Nazi Germany prints, the extensive collection of fabrics is an intriguing porthole into another time. From delicate silk 19th-century Chinese flags to bold Nazi Germany prints, the extensive collection of fabrics is an intriguing porthole into another time. READ MORE: The real-life 'Moscow Merman' Scroll through the gallery above to unlock their secret symbolism -- and tell us your favorite on CNN Sport's Facebook page

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