"Bruit de drapeau" is a French term used in the field of heraldry, which refers to a particular kind of flag or banner. Literally translated, it means "noise of the flag" or "rumor of the flag." A bruit de drapeau is a flag that is designed or charged with different elements representing various elements or symbols.
In heraldic terms, a bruit de drapeau is similar to a banner, but with distinct features. It is typically long and narrow, similar to a pennant, and it may have several points or tails at the bottom. These points can vary in number; three, five, or seven are the most common. The flag is often semé, which means it is filled with small repeating charges such as stars, fleur-de-lis, crosses, or other symbols.
Bruit de drapeau is often used as a symbol of a specific noble or royal family. It may display the family's coat of arms or other elements related to their lineage, achievements, or affiliations. These flags were typically used during medieval tournaments, processions, or military campaigns to identify and represent the noble families.
In modern usage, the term "bruit de drapeau" may also refer to any decorative flag or banner used for ceremonial purposes, such as in parades, official events, or institutions. It carries a sense of grandeur, tradition, and historical significance.
