That proportion, first recoded by classical Greek sources, which is considered particularly pleasing
to the human eye; it is the ratio of two values where the relationship of the larger (B) to the smaller
(A) is the same as that of the total (A+B) to the larger (B) and has a value of approximately 1.618 - -
the divine, golden or magic ratio, or golden section.
Notes
a) Flag ratios are written as hoist:fly, or in this case A:B, which is approximately 1:1.618, however, it is suggested that a mathematical reference work be consulted if further or more complex details are required.
b) Rectangular flags are often made in ratios that approximate the golden mean, e.g. those of successive Fibronacci numbers - 1;1, 1:2, 2:3, 3:5, 5;8, 8:13 etc. – with those later in the this listed series being closer to the ideal.
2) The term sometimes used for a flag that is designed to be attached both along its hoist to the staff, and
along its top to a side-mounted cross-bar - but see
‘framed flag 2)’ (also ‘ring 4)’).
Gonfalon of Asciano Tuscany, Italy (fotw); Gonfalon of Delianuova, Italy (fotw)
Please note – not to be confused with a medieval gonfanon
or with the banner or hanging flag of German speaking and Central European countries (see
also ‘banner 2)’,
‘hanging flag’, and
‘gonfanon’).
The bearer of a gonfalon or standard (see also
‘standard bearer’).
GONFALONIERSHIP
A term, now largely (if not wholly) obsolete, for the - often hereditary -
honorary office of gonfalonier (standard or flag bearer) to a monarch (see
also ‘archivexillifer’).
Gonfanon of Eustache III of Auvergne c1100 (CS); The Oriflamme of Pre-Heraldic and Medieval France (fotw)
Please note that this term specifically refers to a pre-heraldic European war flag,
and whilst sometimes (inaccurately) used to describe a medieval or late-medieval
streamer (as referenced above), it should not be confused with the later gonfalon,
banner or hanging flag as separately defined herein – see
‘gonfalon’,
‘banner of arms’ and
‘hanging flag’.
The generic term for a tapering piece or pieces of fabric that is sometimes used to describe
the triangular blue fields of the British union jack (see also
‘union flag 1)’,
‘union jack 1)’ and
‘union jack 2)’).
Commander in Chief in the Field Army, UK (fotw)
GORGED
The heraldic term used when a beast or bird (and occasionally another charge) is shown with its collar in a
different tincture - this may be either plain or decorated and is sometimes in the form of a coronet – collared
or accolé (see also
‘appendix V’,
‘armed 2)’,
‘attired’,
‘beaked’,
‘jelloped’,
‘langued’,
‘membered’ and
‘tincture’).
Flag of Oland, Sweden (fotw); Arms of Posedarje, Croatia (fotw); Flag of Combremont-le-Grand, Switzerland (fotw)
Please note that the terms gothic and late-gothic appear to be used indiscriminately
to describe either a pointed or a round-bottomed shield, and the Editors suggest
therefore, that, if used at all, both these terms should be restricted to the type illustrated above.
GOUTTES (GOUTÉ or GOUTTY)
The heraldic term for a number of charges (usually specified) in the shape of a teardrop – gutté, gutty,
goutty, gouté or larmes.
Please note that this term may be variously used dependent upon the tincture,
and we suggest that a suitable glossary or dictionary of heraldry be consulted for full details.
![[God's Eye]](../images/v/vxt-d051a.gif)
![[God's Eye]](../images/v/vxt-d051b.gif)
![[graphic of golden mean]](../images/v/vxt-d155.gif)
![[gonfalon]](../images/v/vxt-d159a.gif)
![[gonfanon]](../images/v/vxt-d161.gif)
![[Oriflamme]](../images/v/vxt-d161a.gif)
