The Vietnamese National Flag: From Standards to Distortion for Profit
- News Glance
- 11 thg 5, 2025
- 4 phút đọc
For just 2.000 to 3.000 VND, people can own a national flag - but do the proportions, fabric quality, and stitching meet the standards set by the government?
The National Flag – More than a piece of fabric with a yellow star
Not only a national symbol but the red flag with a yellow star also carries historical value and the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people. Moreover, the national lag is presented at major national events, visible along nearly every street, alley, and residential area during important holidays. Displaying the flag has become a familiar custom, expressing community solidarity and national pride. For that reason, ensuring the correct form, dimensions, and quality of the flag need to be regarded with seriousness and respect.
Thin fabric, ordinary thread, smudged paint — enough to symbolize a nation?
An interview with Ms. Nhung, a fourth-generation artisan in the traditional flag-making craft, reveals:
"Both the fabric and thread are sourced from Trieu Khuc village, a long-standing silk weaving village in Ha Dong. The thread, likewise, is sourced from Trieu Khuc, specializing in silk spinning and weaving."
To create a standard flag, the material selection process is pivotal. Unlike fabrics used in common garment making, the fabric for the national flag must be a thick, glossy, and durable material capable of withstanding sun and rain while maintaining its color over time. Additionally, the embroidery thread must be a vibrant gold, and the gold paint must have long-lasting adhesion. Currently, four main types of fabric are commonly used by flag production facilities in the market:
Matte Satin: With a smooth surface, low gloss, even color distribution, and ease of paint application, matte phi is often used in solemn ceremonies or where a dignified and discreet appearance is required.
Glossy Satin: Characterized by its high gloss, glossy phi creates a good light-catching effect, bringing prominence to the flag when hung at events, festivals, or outdoor decorative spaces.
Nylon Fabric: Lightweight yet waterproof and weather-resistant, nylon fabric is preferred for flags that are hung outdoors for extended periods. The durability of this type of fabric typically lasts from 8 to 10 months.
Silk Fabric: This is a high-end material, soft, smooth, and lustrous, often used for making flags for important events, high-ceremony occasions, or as valuable commemorative gifts.
Nylon Fabric (1) - Matte Satin (2) - Silk Fabric (3) - Glossy Satin (4) (Photo: Internet)
From these materials, production facilities create quality flags for distribution to trading points across the country, such as Hang Bong Market, Hang Quat Street, Hang Ma Street, and even large and small islands such as Truong Sa, Lung Cu flagpole, or Ca Mau Cape.
According to regulations, a standard National Flag must have dimensions that adhere to a width-to-length ratio of 2:3, with the center of the five-pointed golden star located precisely in the middle of the flag, and the radius from the center to the star's apex equal to 1/5 of the flag's length. The flag must be sewn with two sturdy lines of stitching to ensure durability, and the star must be sewn on both sides on the same fabric background.
Different Prices, Different Quality: Not all flags are the same
At small grocery stores, the prices of Vietnam’s national flag do not differ significantly from the general market average. Flags are typically categorized into two main types: handheld and hanging flags, with four common sizes. The smaller ones include dimensions such as 3x4, 60x90, and 70x105 cm. For single-layer flags, wholesale prices range from 2,000 VND to 3,000 VND per piece, while the retail prices hover around 10,000 VND. However, during holidays such as Reunification Day or Vietnam's National Day, prices tend to rise. Wholesale rates can reach 5,000 VND, with retail prices varying between 15,000 and 30,000 VND depending on fabric quality and print clarity.
Hang Ma street, which is a well-known street for its festive decorations, the vibrant red of the national flag becomes even more striking during celebrations of Reunification Day on April 30th and National Day on September 2nd.
According to Mr. Su, the owner of a small shop in the area:
“On regular days, a small-sized flag wholesales for about 2,000 VND to 3,000 VND. But during peak seasons like April 30th or September 2nd, the price can go to 6,000 VND.”
Retail prices also see an increase: single-layer flags usually sell for around 10,000 VND, while double-layer flags with sharper prints can cost between 20,000 VND and 30,000 VND. There's also a slight price difference between shops, typically from 2,000 VND to 3,000 VND, depending on their suppliers and the quality of the materials. This is quite common, as each shop gets its stock from different suppliers, which results in variations in both quality and design.
The symbol of country or just a product
On today’s market, in pursuit of business profits, many national flags are being produced and sold without meeting proper standards. The star - an essential symbol - is often sewn or glued off-center, and in some cases, even placed upside down. Furthermore, the flag’s edges are poorly stitched, with loose threads left hanging untidily.
The red flag with a yellow star, which is a sacred symbol of Viet Nam, appears in nearly every major celebration and in everyday life. However, do people understand the essence of the national flag?
Glance
In 1941, the Viet Minh program stated that “after driving out the French and Japanese imperialists, a people's government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam would be established, adopting the red flag with a five-pointed yellow star as the national flag.” (Nhan Dan Online) |
What is the official width-to-length ratio of the Vietnamese national flag?
A. 1/2
B. 2/3
C. 3/5
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