The Proper Way to Handle a Canadian Flag

The Canadian flag should be folded "with quiet dignity," says its National Defence website.

Canada has no formal etiquette for handling its national flag. You may handle and store the flag in any way as long as you do it "with quiet dignity" says Canada's National Defence website. The only time the Canadian flag is folded in a special way is during ceremonial presentations by military personnel. The official ceremony requires six or eight people, but the adapted version below describes how you can fold the flag in a similar manner with the help of one other person.

Things You'll Need

• Canadian flag

Instructions

1. Hold the flag taut by the corners, with one person at each end of the flag. Keep the flag horizontal during the folding.

2. Fold the flag lengthwise by bringing the top half of the flag underneath the bottom half.

3. Fold the flag lengthwise one more time, again bringing the top part of the flag underneath the bottom part. The bottom quarter of the flag should now be showing.

4. Fold the flag in half, bringing the right half over the left half.

5. Fold the flag in half two more times in the same manner as the previous step. The flag should end up in a neat rectangle with part of the maple leaf showing.

Tips & Warnings

• Canadian flags traditionally have been disposed of by burning or burying them. But since modern flags are often made of synthetic materials that do not decay, burning is the prescribed method.

References

• Directorate of History and Heritage: Process for the Ceremonial Folding of the National Flag of Canada
• Mabou, Canada: The National Flag of Canada
• The Flag Shop: Frequently Asked Questions