Introduction:
Step into the world of young Muhammad Saifuddin, an 8-year-old with an eye for detail and a curiosity that knows no bounds. Join him on a journey through Putrajaya, Malaysia's federal territory, where a simple stroll along the road led to an unexpected discovery about flags.
Part 1: The Beginning of the Journey
During the February 2024 school holidays, my grandson Muhammad Saifuddin and his parents visited Putrajaya. At that time, the streets of Putrajaya were adorned with the graceful fluttering flags of the Federal Territories, in conjunction with the Federal Territories Day celebration held every 1st of February.
Part 2: The Discovery
One evening, after a hearty dinner, Mohamad Saifuddin joined me for the journey back to the hotel. During the journey, Muhammad Saifuddin noticed something intriguing about the flags. Without prompting, he pointed out the striking resemblance between the flag of the Federal Territories of Malaysia and those of other countries that caught me by surprise.
Flag of Federal Territories of Malaysia
"Atok, do you know that if you remove the crest in the middle of the Federal Territories' flag, it becomes the flag of Colombia?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement.
Flag of Columbia
I was taken aback by his insight. "No, Atok didn't know that," I admitted, intrigued by his observation.
Muhammad Saifuddin wasn't done yet. "And if you add a bird in the center of the flag, it becomes the flag of Ecuador," he continued, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Flag of Ecuador
"Menar sik?" I replied in local dialect mean 'true or not?' though he conversed in English.
"Yes," he affirmed. "And if you add stars in the center instead of the bird, it becomes the flag of Venezuela," he added confidently.
Flag of Venezuela
I amazed by his knowledge and his ability to recall such intricate details. "How do you know all these?" I asked, genuinely impressed by his observation skills.
Though I can't recall his exact response, I do remember him saying, "If you terbalik the flag, it becomes the flag of Armenia."
Flag of Armenia
Part 3: Unraveling the Mystery
Muhammad Saifuddin's observations sparked a journey of discovery into the significance of flags. As I researched further, I was amazed to find that his insights were indeed accurate, even though he didn't know that the yellow stripe was double-width. Exploring the historical and cultural contexts behind the flags of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Armenia provided valuable insights into the world of vexillology.
Part 4: A Lesson in Curiosity
Muhammad Saifuddin's curiosity serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing a child's inquisitive spirit. His observations sparked conversations about flags, geography, and history, inspiring both learning and wonder. Through his curiosity, he taught me to see the world with fresh eyes and to embrace the joy of discovery.
Conclusion:
In the end, Muhammad Saifuddin's unexpected encounter with flags in Putrajaya reminded me of the beauty of seeing the world through a child's eyes. His keen observations and insatiable curiosity were a testament to the wonders that surround us every day. As we continue to journey through life, may we never lose sight of the joy of discovery and the lessons we can learn from the curiosity of a child.
