Kozak FlagsKozak Flags
FLAGS, The Kozak Period. The most common banners were rectangular or oblique (skosheni), that is, right-angled trapeziums with angular upward or downward cuts. Triangular pennants were used on the lances of cavalrymen and as standards of small military units. The most important state emblems were the two hetman standards: the first was red with a white figure of the Archangel Michael [Arkhystratyh Mykhayil]; the second had a representation of the coat of arms of the individual hetman. The flags were in the charge of the general standard-bearer [heneralnyj bunchuzhnyj]. The flags of the Hetman state in the 17th century were of many colors, but red was predominant. There were regimental, company, and kurin standards, banners, and pennants. In the 18th century azure flags with golden or yellow crosses and sometimes other devices (celestial bodies, weapons, saints) began to predominate. The right side of regimental and company flags displayed the national emblem - a Kozak with a musket on a golden or yellow shield - on an azure background. The left side displayed the regimental or company emblem. The Zaporozhian Sich had its own flags. The great banner of the Sich was red with a white Archangel Michael on the right side and a white Greek cross surrounded by a golden sun, crescent, and stars on the left side. The flags of the kurins and palankas were usually crimson with representations of Archangel Michael or white cross. The ensign used in sea campaigns was white and contained a depiction of St. Nicholas.
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