Historically, and most generally, the red flag is an international symbol for the "blood of angry workers." Although much older than socialism, the flag has mainly been a socialist and communist emblem associated in particular with those ideologies' revolutionary left and radical left sections. A plain red flag has often been raised or carried by socialists, left-wing radicals, and communist groups. Such groups have used both plain red flags and red flags superimposed with the names or emblems of their parties, or social movements. Red flags are often seen at protests, demonstrations and left-wing rallies such as May Day.
The red flag is most strongly associated in public consciousness with communism. It forms the backdrop to the flag of the People's Republic of China, the flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the flag of the Soviet Union. The red flag has also been associated with social democratic and labour traditions, having been a banner used by parties such as Labour in Britain, France's SFIO and similar groups throughout the world. But its use by social democrats declined sharply over much of the 20th century as many such people moved away from the left.
Red Flag is the second single released from the Canadian music group Billy Talent's second album, Billy Talent II. The single was released on September 11, 2006 in the United Kingdom .
