The art of flag throwing dates back to medieval guilds (principally in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Flanders and Southern Netherlands). A guild's banner or flag was considered a symbol of purity, and as such it was not allowed to touch the ground. There are two major categories of flag throwing: classical and acrobatical. In classical flag throwing, the flag is turned left and right around the body in a standing posture. In acrobatical flag throwing, the thrower uses both hands to move the flag in a sitting, laying, or kneeling posture. External links Federazione italiana Sbandieratori The Italian official flag throwing federation. Lega italiana Sbandieratori The Italian flag throwing league. Flag throwing, on Flags Of The World website. SbandierAutori - An italian book on the flag throwers tradition Alfieri's "La Bandiera" - Information on Francesco Alfieri's treatise on flag waving, 'La Bandiera', published in 1638 Entertainment occupations Flag practices Guilds Medieval occupations Object manipulation Swiss culture