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How did medieval guild flags identify different trades?

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flag shapes — flag Various shapes of flags: (from left) rectangle (Algeria), square (Switzerland), pennant (Nepal), swallowtail (Ohio, U.S.).

In the context of medieval heraldry, guilds identified their specific trades through the use of clear, symbolic devices on their flags.1

Because most of the population was illiterate during the Middle Ages, these flags relied on bold, simple, and recognizable imagery to communicate the guild's identity to the public. These designs typically featured symbols directly related to the guild's craft or industry. For instance, the candle makers of Bayeux, France, utilized a black flag decorated with three white candles to represent their trade.21

By employing such obvious visual markers, guilds were able to distinguish their organizations and assert their presence within the local economy, mirroring the broader historical development of flags as essential tools for identification among various institutions and corporations.21