Symbol Theory

The Equalitivist flag as a condensation symbol:

The flag of Equalitiva is a condensation symbol. It represents a variety of ideas, actions, and elicits a range of emotions, depending on the person who is looking at the flag and on the context in which it is being viewed.

To outsiders, the flag primarily represents the physical region that comprises Equalitiva, and the government that has adopted the flag as its official symbol. It evokes a sense of respect for the sovereignty of the region, because the unquestioned existence of an official flag grants some semblance of legitimacy to political rule.

To both outsiders and citizens, the flag can serve as a reminder of the values promoted by the government, especially the concept of social and economic equality that is considered the backbone of regional values. 

The ten stars depicted within the flag denote the ten valley districts, and their inclusion in the larger symbol can serve as a reminder that though they are separate physical entities, they are united under the government – this conjures up powerful feelings of unity and group cohesion when the flag is displayed at regional socials. 

The five-pointed star as a unifier of disparate significada:

The five pointed star of Equalitiva unifies significada that would otherwise seem to be unconnected or only tenuously connected to one another, but actually have analogous qualities that enable them to be bracketed together into a larger meaning.

The star can represent independence, the blessing of the Heavens, and the idea of light in a place of darkness. It was seen in the form of a shooting star on the eve of the protest movement that allowed Equalitivist leaders to break free from an oppressive past and start a new society.

The star can represent the 5 founders, as it has five points and was the sign they painted on their wrists to indicate their role in the protest movement to one another and to followers. Depending on the color of the star, it can also represent one of the individual values cherished in Equalitivist society.

The star can represent the different valley districts that comprise Equalitiva as a whole, and displaying 10 stars together represents regional unity.

While the star can be used to represent each of these ideas individually, they are each related to the concept of citizenship. As a whole, the symbol of the star combines ALL of these meanings into one powerful symbolic reminder of what it means to be an Equalitivist. Above all else, the star represents Equalitivist life and all of the ideas and values that make up Equalitiva.

The wrist as an example of bipolarity:

The Equalitivist use of the wrist as a symbol can be viewed as an example of polarization of meaning. There are two distinct poles of meaning present in the wrist as a symbol – the sensory pole and the ideological pole. 

The sensory pole in this example casts the wrist as the center of bodily life force, as the wrist represents the spot where the pulse can be felt pounding under the skin. Cutting the wrist cuts off life (regional history refers back to a rash of suicides by oppressed miners living under pre-Equalitivist conditions), so the wrist must be protected, and there is a taboo against displaying your wrist to non-Equalitivists or allowing the wrist to go uncovered once you assume the responsibilities of marriage/adulthood.

Covering the wrist demonstrates a commitment to preserving your life force so you can continue to contribute to your community. Exposing the wrist to another Equalitivist in a ritual setting is a gesture of solidarity and shows belief in the notion of regional unity.

The ideological pole in this example casts the wrist as a representation of regional unity, ie. the idea that all citizens are part of the lifeblood that flows throughout the region, keeping Equalitist society and the economy alive.