Have you ever looked up at a flagpole and noticed the flag wasn't at the top? Did you wonder if someone forgot to pull it all the way up?
The sight of a national flag lowered from its peak is a powerful symbol. It serves as a silent, powerful broadcast of collective grief, as in Canada today.
Flying a flag at half-mast is a globally recognised act of 'national mourning' used to pay respect to the deceased or to commemorate a significant tragedy. The practice originated in the 17th century, when it was believed that lowering the main flag allowed an invisible 'flag of death' to fly at the top of the mast.
According to researchers, the first flag flown at half-mast happened following the death of James Hall. He was the captain of theHeart's Ease,who was killed by a native Inuit.
His men lowered the ship's flag to half-mast to show their respect for their late captain. It was believed, however, that the move was also influenced by sailing superstition. The flag remained at half-mast when the crew arrived in London, symbolising that they were still under the shadow of theinvisible flag of Death.
Governments typically reserve this honour for the death of heads of state, members of the Royal Family, or in response to incidents resulting in significant loss of life. It serves as a public acknowledgement of a shared sense of loss, uniting a country in its period of sorrow.
This tradition dictates that the flag must first be hoisted to the peak before being lowered to the halfway point. By physically altering the nation's symbol, the state signals that normal celebrations or business have been paused to reflect on a specific national tragedy.
Our flag is at half-mast following the tragic shootings in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Our thoughts are with the community and all those who have lost loved ones.pic.twitter.com/rNyHdHmxkN
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that flags at all federal buildings across Canada will be flown at half-mast for 7 days. This decision follows a devastating mass shooting at a high school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on 10 February 2026.
The fatal mass shooting left eight people dead and dozens more injured, according to reports. The victims reportedly included students and teachers.
Source: International Business Times UK
