The origins of flag throwing are difficult to pinpoint - it has possible roots in
Roman,
Babylonian and
Assyrian history. It was popular with
medieval guilds (principally in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Flanders, and Southern Netherlands) for use during times of war, to allow troops to communicate to each other across the battleground. A guild's banner or
flag was considered a symbol of purity, and as such it was not allowed to touch the ground. After a battle was won, flag bearers, along with military bands, would take part in victory parades on their return home. Today, flag throwing is part of many traditional festivals in Italy, such as
Siena's Palio. It is also a popular sport in schools in the US, where it is known as "color guard". Color guard is practiced along with marching bands. ==References==