Editing The Salvation Army (section)

==Symbols==
===Flag===
[[File:Standard of the Salvation Army.svg|thumb|Standard of The Salvation Army ([[English language|Anglophone]] version)]]
The Salvation Army flag is a symbol of the Army's war against sin and social evils. The red on the flag symbolises the blood of Jesus Christ, the yellow for the fire of the Holy Spirit, and the blue for purity and God.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Swain |first1=Jason |title=Why a Flag? |url=https://www.thewarcry.org/articles/why-a-flag/ |website=thewarcry.org |publisher=The War Cry |access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref>

===Crest===
[[File:Crest of The Salvation Army.png|thumb|Crest of The Salvation Army ([[English language|Anglophone]] version)]]
The oldest official emblem of The Salvation Army is the crest. In 1878 Captain W.H. Ebdon suggested a logo, and in 1879 it was to be found on the letterhead of the Salvation Army Headquarters. The captain's suggested design was changed only slightly and a crown was added.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crest Symbolism |url=https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northern/the-salvation-army-crest/ |access-date=2 June 2023 |website=The Salvation Army}}</ref><ref name="Salo AU">{{cite web |title=Structure, symbols and terminology |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/leadership-and-structure/structure-symbols-and-terminology/ |publisher=The Salvation Army of Australia |access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref>

The Army's crest contains Biblical references though its symbolism:

{{blockquote|
* The sun with its rays represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:11)
* The cross represents the cross of Jesus on which He died as a sacrifice for our sins. (Romans 3:25)
* The letter "S" represents the salvation which is available to all people through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16–17)
* The crossed swords represent God's Word (Hebrews 4:12). God's Word is the Christian's weapon in the salvation war (the war against Satan and evil).
* The Gospel shots (Psalm 119:160) represent the basic truths of the Gospel; there are 7 in all.{{Ordered list |The existence of a Holy God; |The evils of sin are against God and man; |There will be punishment for sin that is fair and everlasting; |Jesus died on the cross for the human race; |Salvation is for all mankind and is free to all who accept Jesus Christ; |It is the responsibility of every Christian to do whatever they can do to spread the Gospel; |God rewards those who are faithful with eternal life in Heaven with Him.}}
* The words "Blood and Fire" as the "war cry" of the Salvation Army. It is Jesus' blood that washes us clean from sin and it is the fire of the Holy Spirit that makes us pure and helps us live lives that are pleasing to God.
* The crown represents the "Crown of Life and Glory" which God will give to all those who have been faithful to Him (James 1:12).}}

===Red Shield===
The Red Shield has its origins in Salvation Army work during wartime. At the end of the 19th century, Staff-Captain Mary Murray was sent by William Booth to support British troops serving in the [[Boer War]] in South Africa. Then, in 1901, this same officer was given the task of establishing the Naval and Military League, the forerunner of the Red Shield Services.<ref name="Salo AU" />

[[File:Armee-du-salut.jpg|thumb|The Salvation Army red shield logo, displayed on the side of a night shelter in [[Geneva]], Switzerland.]]
Salvation Army officers serving in the Red Shield Services in wartime performed many functions. The Doughnut Girls of World War I are an early example, who served refreshments to troops in the trenches. They also provided first aid stations, ambulances, chaplaincy, social clubs, Christian worship, and other front-line services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki%5Cwww_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/88C38CD01C4E9F518025747A003178D0?openDocument |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928014925/http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki%5Cwww_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/88C38CD01C4E9F518025747A003178D0?openDocument |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2011 |title=International Heritage Centre: Red Shield |publisher=.salvationarmy.org.uk |access-date=11 April 2012 }}</ref>

This symbol is still used in Blue Shield Services that serve the British Armed Forces but it is widely used as a simple, more readily identifiable symbol in many Salvation Army settings. It is common to see the Red Shield used on a casual Salvation Army uniform. It is now official Salvation Army policy in the U.K. that the red shield should be used as the external symbol of the Salvation Army, with the Crest only being used internally. Therefore, any new Salvation Army building will now have the red shield on the outside rather than the crest which certainly would have been used on its Corps (church) buildings. This was "imposed" in the U.K. by the Senior Management with little or no consultation with members. Not all have welcomed this change.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sps-shop.com/ukt%5Cspnsshop.nsf/default.html |title=SP&S Online Store |publisher=Sps-shop.com |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716122813/http://www.sps-shop.com/ukt/spnsshop.nsf/default.html |archive-date=16 July 2011  }}</ref>

===Uniform===
{{see also|Officer (The Salvation Army)#The rank structure and uniform}}
Salvation Army officers, cadets<ref>{{cite book | title=Handbook of Doctrine | year=2010 | page=xiii | publisher=Salvation Books | url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/handbookdoctrine | access-date=13 March 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314042742/https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/handbookdoctrine | archive-date=14 March 2018 | url-status=dead }}</ref> (trainee officers) and soldiers often wear uniforms. The idea that they should do so originated with [[Elijah Cadman]], who, at the Salvation Army's "War Congress" in August 1878, said, "I would like to wear a suit of clothes that would let everyone know I meant war to the teeth and salvation for the world". The uniform identifies the wearer as a Salvationist and a Christian. It also symbolises availability to those in need. The uniform takes many forms internationally but is characterised by the "S" insignia for "Salvation" and carries the meaning "Saved to Serve", or "Saved to Save". Different colours and styles represent different ranks including soldiers, cadets, lieutenants, captains, majors, colonels, commissioner, and General.

Characteristics of the uniform vary between ranks where accessories (the official term is "trimmings") consist of [[epaulettes]] and hexagonal lapel patches.<ref>{{cite book | date=2012 | title=Uniform(UK)2012 | publisher=Salvation Army UK (International Heritage Centre, William Booth College, London, England)}}</ref>
The uniform varies with the position and rank:
* Soldier: plain black epaulettes (Corps name woven into base of epaulette) and black lapel patch with "S"
* Musician: plain blue or black epaulettes and lapel patch with "S"
* Cadet: black epaulette with 1 or 2 red bars corresponding to number of years of training and black lapel patch with "S"
* Officer ranks:
** Lieutenant: red epaulette with one silver star and red lapel patch with "S"
** Captain: red epaulette with two silver stars and red lapel patch with "S"
** Major: red epaulette with silver crest and red lapel patch with "S"

Other letters are substituted to conform with local language. The words "The Salvation Army" are woven into the fabric of the uniform as a logo on shirts, blouses, and jackets.

===Tartan===
[[File:Salvation Army Dress Tartan.png|thumb|The Salvation Army Dress Tartan]]
Since 1983 there has been an official Salvation Army [[tartan]]. It was designed by Captain Harry Cooper, for the [[Perth, Scotland|Perth]] Citadel Corps centenary commemoration in Scotland. It is based upon the colours of the Salvation Army flag, with which it shares the same symbolism. It is rarely seen outside Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails.aspx?ref=3647 |title=Tartan Details – The Scottish Register of Tartans |publisher=Tartanregister.gov.uk |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412105624/http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails.aspx?ref=3647 |archive-date=12 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Salute===
The Salvation Army has a unique form of salute which involves raising the right hand above shoulder-height with the index finger pointing upwards. It signifies recognition of a fellow citizen of heaven, and a pledge to do everything possible to get others to heaven also.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki%5Cwww_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/8B36901CFBFAF7468025707B003CB1A4?openDocument |title=International Heritage Centre: The salute |publisher=.salvationarmy.org.uk |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060603201434/http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/8B36901CFBFAF7468025707B003CB1A4?openDocument |archive-date=3 June 2006  }}</ref> A Salvationist who salutes in this manner in response to applause, signifies that he or she wishes to give Glory to God and not themselves. In some instances, the salute is accompanied with a shout of "hallelujah!"

===Red kettles===
[[File:Salvation Army red kettle at supermarket entrance Ypsilanti Michigan.JPG|thumb|Red kettle at supermarket entrance, [[Ypsilanti, Michigan]]]]
In many countries, the Salvation Army is recognised during the Christmas season as its volunteers and employees stand outside of businesses and play/sing Christmas carols, or ring bells to inspire passers-by to place donations of cash and cheques inside [[Christmas kettle|red kettles]]. A tradition has developed in the United States in which, in some places, gold coins or rings or bundles of large bills are anonymously inserted into the kettles. This was first recorded in 1982, in [[Crystal Lake, Illinois]], a suburb of Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/11/28/salvation-army-receives-mystery-donations-of-gold/|title=Salvation Army Receives Mystery Donations of Gold|work=chicagotribune.com|date=28 November 1998 |access-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118164113/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-11-28/news/9811280127_1_gold-coins-kettle-crystal-lake|archive-date=18 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="VancSun1224">{{cite news|last1=Larimer|first1=Sarah|title=The mystery of 'St. Grand,' the secret donor dropping bundles of cash into Salvation Army kettles in Minnesota|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/world/mystery+98st+grand+secret+donor+dropping+bundles+cash+into/12582455/story.html|access-date=26 December 2016|agency=WaPo|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|date=24 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225152255/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/world/mystery+98st+grand+secret+donor+dropping+bundles+cash+into/12582455/story.html|archive-date=25 December 2016}}</ref> Red kettles are not only used during the Christmas season, but throughout the year at other fundraising events, such as on [[National Doughnut Day]] in the U.S.  On this day, some doughnut shops that teamed up with the Salvation Army have a red kettle set up for donations. Each corps has a monetary goal chosen for them by Divisional Headquarters, which differs based on size and capability.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/local-bakeries-offer-free-or-cheap-doughnuts-friday/article_1772f924-e0df-5e24-84af-ebd9a9fd53ca.html|title=Local bakeries offer free or cheap doughnuts Friday|last=Star|first=Lincoln Journal|work=JournalStar.com|access-date=1 June 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605012623/http://journalstar.com/news/local/local-bakeries-offer-free-or-cheap-doughnuts-friday/article_1772f924-e0df-5e24-84af-ebd9a9fd53ca.html|archive-date=5 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Red Shield Appeal and Self-Denial Appeal===
The Red Shield Appeal and Self-Denial Appeal are annual fundraising campaigns in some territories, such as the U.K. and Australia. Each year, officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers take to the streets worldwide to participate in door-to-door or street collections. The money raised is channelled towards The Salvation Army's social work in each respective territory. Within the territory defined by the United Kingdom and Ireland (UKIT) this collection is known as the Annual Appeal, and it often carries another name that the general public would more readily know—in 2012 it became The Big Collection.

===Music playing===
[[File:SalvationArmyParadeOxford20040905.JPG|thumb|A Salvation Army band parade in [[Oxford]], United Kingdom|293x293px]]
[[File:USA Southern Territory Youth Choir.jpg|thumb|The USA Southern Territory Youth Choir singing in [[Atlanta, Georgia]].|293x293px]]
As the popularity of the organisation grew and Salvationists worked the streets of London attempting to convert individuals, they were sometimes confronted with unruly crowds. A family of musicians (the Frys, from [[Alderbury]], Wiltshire) began working with the Army as their "bodyguards" and played music to distract the crowds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sacollectables.com/firsts.html |title=Salvation Army Collectables – Salvation Army Firsts |publisher=Sacollectables.com |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419061231/http://www.sacollectables.com/firsts.html |archive-date=19 April 2012  }}</ref> In 1891, a Salvation Army band attempted to parade and play music in Eastbourne, Sussex, England.  This was in contravention of local by-laws and resulted in the arrest of nine Salvationists. Unperturbed the Army continued to parade in defiance of the law, with the aim of gathering support for a change in legislation. Over the next few months the situation in the town escalated to such an extent that there were riots, and mounted police had to be called in from surrounding areas to try to maintain order.<ref>{{cite journal |title=THE SALVATION ARMY DISTURBANCES AT EASTBOURNE. |journal=Hansard |date=24 July 1891 |volume=356 cc315-7 |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1891/jul/24/the-salvation-army-disturbances-at |access-date=7 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807185906/https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1891/jul/24/the-salvation-army-disturbances-at |archive-date=7 August 2018 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite news |title=Sir W Harcourt and the Eastbourne Riots |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22575829/eastbourne_riots/ |access-date=7 August 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=14 October 1891 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807185846/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22575829/eastbourne_riots/ |archive-date=7 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The tradition of having musicians available continued and eventually grew into standard brass bands. These are still seen in public at Army campaigns, and at other festivals, parades, and at Christmas. Across the world the [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] has been part of the Army's ministry and an immediately recognisable symbol to Salvationists and non-Salvationists alike. The Salvation Army also has choirs; these are known as [[Songsters|Songster Brigades]], normally comprising the traditional soprano, alto, tenor, and bass singers. The premier Songster Brigade in the Salvation Army is the [[International Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army|International Staff Songsters]] (ISS). The standard of playing is high and the Army operates bands at the international level—such as the [[International Staff Band]] (a brass band) which is the equal of professional ensembles although it does not participate in the [[Music competition|brass band contest]] scene—and territorial levels such as the New York Staff Band. Some professional brass players and contesting brass band personnel have Salvation Army backgrounds. Many Salvation Army corps have brass bands that play at Salvation Army meetings, although not all. The Salvation Army also fielded large [[concertina]] bands. From the turn of the (20th) century to the Second World War between a third and a half of all SA officers in Britain played concertina. For an evangelist, the concertina's portability, its ability to play both melody and chords, and most especially the fact that the player can sing or speak while playing, were all distinct advantages over brass instruments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.concertina.info/tina.faq/images/salv.htm |title=Salvation Army Concertina Bands |publisher=concertina.info |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221185404/http://www.concertina.info/tina.faq/images/salv.htm |archive-date=21 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKv1_-BIFBs |title=Bramwell Thornett – Salvation Army Concertina Solo (1940) |publisher=Salvation Army |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904091646/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKv1_-BIFBs |archive-date=4 September 2015 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIru7v0UsHg |title=Archie Burgess and Eric Ball – Salvation Army Concertina Solo (1936) |publisher=Salvation Army |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705193705/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIru7v0UsHg |archive-date=5 July 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Army tradition in music is to use the popular idiom of the day to reach people for Jesus. The Army's [[The Joystrings|Joy Strings]] were a hit pop group in the 1960s and early 1970s in the U.K. and beyond, reaching the charts and being featured on national television. Another popular band is [[The Insyderz]], an American ska-core group popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. Hundreds of bands carry on this Salvation Army tradition, such as New Zealand's Moped, Chamberlain, Vatic, Agent C, and [[The Lads]]; England's [[Electralyte]]; Australia's Soteria Music Ministries, Summer Carnival Band, Crown of Thorns and Escape; and America's transMission, The Singing Company, HAB, BurN, and CJD – Cookies, Juice, & Donuts. Saytunes is a website designed to encourage and promote these contemporary Salvation Army bands and artists. Another significant musical feature of the Salvation Army is its use of [[tambourine]]s with colourised ribbons representing the colours of the Salvation Army flag. They are mainly played by women.{{cn|date=October 2024}}