He who carries a flag is called a flag bearer.
Abanderado is a term that comes from abanderar : raise a flag , promote a cause. The concept can be used in different ways depending on the context.
Before moving forward, it is important to focus on the idea of flag . This is the name given to the banner , emblem or insignia that represents or symbolizes a nation or an entity of another type. Generally a flag is a rectangular cloth that is attached to a flagpole or mast .
The standard bearer as assistant to the ensign
The flag bearers have different tasks and assume various roles according to each case. In ancient times, the flag bearer was the one who helped the ensign carry the flag.
Some armed forces have a lower rank known as second lieutenant. In the infantry , the second lieutenant was in charge of carrying the flag that identified his company . In this work he had the collaboration of the flag bearer.
Over time , the standard bearer also began to have other tasks. Among them was the distribution of groceries, for example.
an honor
Currently, both in military ceremonies and in civil events, the standard bearer is the one who has the honor of carrying the national flag or other flag. This is not just any person, but someone who accesses said privilege for some particular merit.
In Latin American countries , it is common for educational establishments to recognize the best students as standard bearers. In this way, the student who stands out due to his grades carries the nation's flag in the different events.
It is understood that becoming a flag bearer is a source of pride. This is an award that is awarded to those who, with their effort and skills, manage to excel at an academic level.
In many ceremonies, there are standard bearers who carry the banner.
The standard bearer, representative or leader of a cause
The notion of standard bearer can also be used in a symbolic way to refer to the individual who emerges as a leader, representative or spokesman (spokesperson) of a movement or cause .
This type of flag bearer does not physically carry a flag (a piece of cloth). What it does is exercise leadership or representation of a certain group, promoting its projects or actions .
In Argentina , to mention one case, Eva Duarte de Perón is often referred to as "The standard bearer of the humble." This actress and political leader, who was first lady between 1945 and 1952 as the partner of then-president Juan Domingo Perón , worked to improve the quality of life of members of the lower classes through the Eva Perón Foundation and the Party. Female Peronist .
The concept in sport
In the Olympic Games , each country's delegation has a flag bearer who carries the national flag during the opening ceremony and another flag bearer who participates in the closing ceremony.
If we take the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (held in 2021 since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the competition to be postponed), we find standard bearers such as the basketball player Patty Mills from Australia and the boxer Yuberjén Martínez from Colombia .
The maximum exponent of a team is also usually called the standard bearer. Thus it can be said that Cristiano Ronaldo is the standard bearer of the Portuguese soccer team, to indicate a possibility.