On the eve of the 198th anniversary of the Independence of Peru - held on July 28, 1821 - I consider it pertinent to evoke the importance of the ceremonial in relation to this emblem. Even more so when verifying the regrettable and frequent contempt that exists in this significant event. Here is some background information.
On October 21, 1820, José de San Martín created our first flag. The crossing of two diagonal lines divided it into four fields. The upper and lower spaces were white, while the ends were red. In the center was an oval laurel wreath and within it a sun rising from behind towering mountains over a calm sea.
There are various versions about the inspiration of the Argentine liberator at the time of erecting this symbol. There are those who point out that he took the colors of Argentina (white) and Chile (red), original countries of the Liberation Army. Others attribute it to the tonality of the abundant parihuanas, from the Paracas bay, that flew over their squadron at the moment of their landing. They award red because it alludes to the blood of our heroes and martyrs; while the white represents freedom, justice and peace.
Throughout the 19th century we have had successive flags. The current one was established by Simón Bolívar on February 25, 1825. During the government of Manuel A. Odría, DL 11323 was established, dated March 31, 1950, entitled “Provisions that must be observed regarding the symbols of the Nation: Shield National, Great Seal of the State, National Flag, National Pavilion, Banner and National Cockade ”that, broadly, specifies the characteristics and details of these insignia. However, innumerable and assiduous confusions are woven, in all areas of society, due to a blunt ignorance. Now I will refer only to the National Flag.
According to Law 8916, of July 6, 1939, it corresponds to hoist it on the days of the national celebration in all houses, buildings, factories, etc. of private property. If it were necessary to fly the Peruvian and foreign, ours will have the same dimensions as the foreign and will occupy the preferential place. It will always be waved at the top. One aspect that goes unnoticed is related to the lifting order in case of taking over other foreigners: the Peruvian is the first and when it is lowered, it will be the last.
When it is placed on a pole, window, door or balcony, it will be in the center, if it is isolated; to the right, if there were another from a different nation. It is understood to the right facing the street. In a parade, she has the place of honor on the right and, at the same time, if they come from different states, the Peruvian will go two meters in front of the line formed by the rest of the flags. On a podium it will be on the right (seen from the stage) and will be on the right of the speaker. If it is displayed on a wall with another flag and with crossed poles, the Peruvian will be on the right and its pole on the other emblem.
It is appropriate to comment on its measurements and proportions. According to DS 007-92-CCFA, dated October 13, 1982, its dimensions will correspond to the size of the construction. In other words, a property that is five meters high will not exhibit one the same size as one that is ten, fifteen or more meters high. The base and size of the flagpole will have an analogy with its extension and, on the other hand, the fabric of the flag will be plain silk.
The masts in the buildings will be placed in the vertical plane to the facade, plumb when placed on the front roof and inclined outwards, in relation to the vertical, maximum up to 30 degrees, when placed on the wall above the door or window. When it is installed extended and without pole in streets, squares, buildings and doors, it must be done so that the longest side of the rectangle is horizontal.
The visible collective euphoria on the national holiday makes it possible to notice a sequence of anomalies and disrespectful manifestations. In the same way, there are citizens who place it in the windows of their homes as if it were a propaganda sign; cars adorned in times of sports championships; well-known models pose with her in photo shoots; politicians in public events are displayed wrapped as part of their attire. In this sense, let us remember that "it constitutes a symbol of very high significance that should only be used with respect and civic anointing, and should not be used for deviant purposes, or acts that are at odds with the noble purpose for which it was created" and, therefore Let's learn to place it on the pedestal that it deserves as an icon of Peru.
It is convenient to have in view what is stipulated in article 15 of the State Ceremonial and Regional Ceremonial (DS 096-2005-RE): “The National Flag is the main symbol of the country. In its various representations, Banner or Pavilion, it must be greeted by the civil authorities with a reverent bow of the head and by the military authorities in accordance with their regulations ”.
Also, there are precepts at funerals. This will be placed extended in the coffin and at the burial it will be placed in such a way that the moorings are at the head of the deceased; It will be removed at the time of burial, it will not descend into the pit, nor will it touch the ground. In situations of national mourning it is hoisted at half mast and in case of being driven in motion, mourning will be indicated by a crepe bow tied next to the lance.
However, the extravagances in "perulandia" are assiduous, hilarious and excessive. I remember the peculiar burial of an eloquent character of Creole music: Augusto Polo Campos (2018), whose coffin was walked through the Alameda de los Descalzos in the Rímac district carrying the National Pavilion (the flag with the shield) and, in parallel, Dances and chants took place while the coffin was shaken by the porters to the beat of the music. An unquestionable and reprehensible sample of the degree of rusticity, lack of sobriety and prevailing incorrectness. The same contempt occurred at the funeral service of the singer Arturo Cavero Velásquez (2009), upon his entry and exit from the Congress of the Republic.
There are two commemorations in homage to this lofty distinctive. The "Day of the Flag" (June 7) instituted in reminiscence of the Battle of Arica (1880), in which the hero of the Peruvian Army, Francisco Bolognesi, blew himself up. Likewise, on August 28, the "Flag Procession" takes place in the town of Tacna, in offering to the longed-for reincorporation of this jurisdiction to Peru - in accordance with the provisions of the 1929 Treaty of Lima - after 45 years of Chilean occupation as a consequence of the War of the Pacific (1879 - 1884).
An additional comment: I disagree with the famous expression "a salute to the flag" - as they say with recidivism in "Peruland" - in allusion to a gesture or determination devoid of value. Bowing down before the flag is an affirmation of genuflection. This unfortunate phrase synthesizes the unlimited civic, democratic and moral hardships outstanding in the country of "all bloods".
Within that context, I ratify what was asserted in my writing "On the Fatherland Day: The Kingdom of Perulandia": "… It is the land of ceviche, pisco sour, tacu tacu, anticuchos, rice pudding, Creole jarana and other consumerist icons. On national solemnities, their communities wear rosettes on their chests, pennants on their cars and faded flags on the roofs of their houses, placed by obligation to avoid the municipal fine, and they are crammed with advertisements inciting ephemeral nationalist affections. They don't even know the full stanzas of his hymn. The slogan 'a salute to the flag' defines the scant meaning of this insignia ”.
Let us show reverence for the National Flag. He accompanies us in intense and magnanimous days of the republic. He is a witness in the events of a town that must perpetuate what was noted by the eminent Italian researcher, naturalist and scholar Antonio Raimondi (Milan, 1824 - San Pedro de Lloc, 1890), coincidentally, arrived at the port of El Callao on July 28, 1850: "In the book of the destiny of Peru, a great future is written."
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(*) Teacher, consultant in event organization, protocol, professional image and social etiquette.
