The meaning of the military banner: legal and sacred aspects
The purpose of the study is to determine the specifics of the sacred meaning of the military banner. Attention is paid to the special attitude to military symbols from ancient times. The most intense sacralization of military banners and standards occurred during the Roman Empire, they were associated with valor during wars, honor and glory in times of peace, as well as with legal institutions that were in effect throughout the existence of the Roman state. The concept of the sacredness of the banner was borrowed by other peoples: the Salian Franks, Burgundians, Lombards, as well as states closely connected with the Roman Empire either by treaties of alliance, or by family ties, or by faith. The special significance of military banners can also be traced in Russian historical and literary monuments. The novelty of the study lies in filling in the gaps in historical and legal science in relation to the paraphernalia of the army and law enforcement agencies. As a result, the connection of a special ritual of a military oath with the meaning of military symbols is proved.