The Qi Banner

The Rites of Zhou Original: Zhōulǐ (周禮), the classic text detailing the bureaucracy and ritual of the Zhou dynasty states that the Zhou and Li administrative districts A Zhou (州) consisted of 2,500 households, and a Li (里) consisted of 25 households are to set up the Qi banner. This flag is adorned with seven streamers Original: yóu (斿), the decorative fabric strips or "pendants" flowing from the edge of the flag. Both the main silk body of the flag Original: shān (縿) and the streamers themselves are painted with images of bears and tigers, which serve as symbols of a fierce and protective guard Original: shǒuměng (守猛), literally "guarding with ferocity".

The Zhao Banner

The Rites of Zhou states that the Xian and Bi administrative districts A Xian (縣) was a district of 2,500 households in the outer regions, while a Bi (鄙) was a rural unit of 500 households are to set up the Zhao banner. It is characterized by having four streamers. The main body of the flag and its streamers are painted with images of tortoises and snakes These animals together form the "Black Warrior" (Xuanwu), a powerful symbol in Chinese cosmology, which represent the warding off of adversity Original: hànnàn (扞難), to defend against or repel hardship.