Half Mast: Did You Know?

Half Mast is the term describing flying a flag below the summit of the flagpole (mast). This is done in many countries as a symbol of respect, mourning, or distress. In some countries this is known as Half Staff.

The tradition of flying the flag at half-mast began centuries ago, to allow "the invisible flag of death" to fly at the top of the mast—which signified death's presence, power, and prominence. In some countries, for example the UK, and especially in military contexts, a "half-mast" flag is still flown exactly one flag's height down from its normal position, and no lower, to allow for this flag of death. This was the original flag etiquette. However, with larger flags on shorter hoists on many public buildings, the practice of actual half-mast has become common, due to ignorance of the original etiquette and the common conception that flag is to be actually half way up the mast. It is now standard, especially outside the UK, to fly the flag at halfway up the mast regardless of the size of the flag or hoist.

When hoisting a flag that is to be displayed at half-mast, it should be hoisted to the finial for an instant, then lowered to half-mast. Likewise when it is lowered at the end of the day, it is to be hoisted to the finial for an instant, and then lowered.