Pennants and Banners in the Medieval Ages differentiated your opponents and your allies, it also depicted who you represented in the times of war, even when aiding and overall as a representation of your house. In the heat of the battle, where most combatants had similar equipment, the pennant or banner was often the only sign differentiating friend from foe. Pennants also helped lift the morale and to organize the various units during troop movements and formations. Pennants often took the shape of extended triangles, upright rectangles and squares. Flags were fashioned from coloured canvas or silk and the depictions or emblems were painted onto them, most often the coat of arms of the respective feudal lords.
Cavalry carried small pennants on their spears and craftsmen who were members of the guilds also had their own banners. The guild banner was emblematic of the profession and was shown at public ceremonies and at military and other ostentatious events. Banners were also used to claim territories and grounds, kingdoms and all sorts of settlements, it was a sign of dominance and power to hang the banner's up on your enemy's holding grounds.