Meaning of the Branch Davidian Flag? – “Waco: The Aftermath,” available on Showtime, examines the aftermath of 1993’s Waco siege between Branch Davidians and the FBI. This six-part docuseries features interviews with survivors, law enforcement officials, journalists, and experts to gain an in-depth view into events leading up to and subsequent consequences of the standoff, including details regarding the history of Branch Davidians beliefs (notably Vernon Howell becoming their “messiah”) as well as flag symbolism within their beliefs.
What Is the Significance of the Branch Davidian Flag?
Branch Davidians have long held that they believe in an imminent end of the world, depicting seven seals and a serpent as symbols representing that belief. Based on an old Bible scroll that illustrates this idea when broken open, its serpent refers back to the Book of Isaiah; furthermore, its white star pattern could possibly symbolize the six wings of the flying serpent David Koresh believed would fulfill the fifth seal and bring about this endpoint of time.
The flag’s symbolism effectively conveyed their outlook and was an essential signpost to their faith for Branch Davidians after ATF and FBI raided Mount Carmel Center – their purported home – after which its apocalyptic symbols became even more significant to the group; its seven seals represent its end; they were often used by Koresh and early Branch Davidians who believed in an impending end-of-world endgame. While its exact significance may be debated among scholars, its significance indeed served them well when representing their beliefs – particularly in light of ATF/ FBI raiding Mount Carmel Center being raided during that time.
You can stream “Waco: The Aftermath” Season 1 episodes on Showtime.
