Political symbolism

[3] The symbolism can occur in various media including banners, pictures, and flags.

For example, Red flags have traditionally been flown by socialists, left-wing radicals, and communist groups to represent the "blood of the workers".

Black flags have traditionally been flown by anarchism, and left-wing radicals to represent the absence of all oppressive structures.

A combination of the two colors in a black flag represents social anarchism, such as anarchist communism and anarcho syndicalism.

These are known as electoral symbols and one of their functions is to help illiterate voters identify parties.