Ceremonial Folding of the National Flag of Canada

The official process to fold the Canadian flag.

Fold 1

On the words of command "Prepare to fold" the two bearers 1 and 7, positioned at the bottom corners of the flag slide their inside hands towards their outside hands and take a step around the corners of the flag.
Bearers 1 and 7 then slide their outside hands to grasp the mid-point of the flag.
On word of command: FOLD. Bearers 2, 4, 6 and 8 stand fast holding the flag taut. Bearers 1, 3, 5 and 7 initiate the first movement by passing the sewn edge under to their facing colleagues. The bearers 2,4,6 AND 8 positioned at the top of the flag, receive the bottom edge and bring the two edges together.
Note: at all times during the exercise, the bearer party can ensure that all creases and wrinkles are smoothed out.

On the words of command “Prepare to fold – fold,” the fold in step 1 is repeated. Once again, the two bearers positioned at the bottom corners of the flag slide their outside hands to grasp the mid-point of the flag.
At the end of the step, the bearer party commander takes hold of the flag. Resulting in a quarter of the flag in full length.
Note: the tip of the maple leaf shall be facing up.

On the words of command “Prepare to fold – fold,” bearers 7 and 8 bring their end forward in an upward motion to bearers 5 and 6. This fold is done over the hands of the others. Bearers 3, 4, 5 and 6 guide the flag and ensure it remains taut. Bearers 7 and 8 release the flag with their outside hands.
On the words of command “Prepare to fold – fold,” bearers 7 and 8 release the flag, step back and remain at attention in their original positions, while bearers 5 and 6 pass their section of the flag to bearers 1 and 2.
On the words of command “Prepare to fold – fold,” bearers 1 and 2 pass the end of the flag to the bearer party commander as bearers 5 and 6 keep the flag taut. Bearers 5 and 6 release the flag, step back and remain at attention in their original positions.

On the words of command “Prepare to fold – fold,” bearers 3 and 4 pass the end of the flag to bearers 1 and 2, who fold the flag down flat.
Bearers 3 and 4 release the flag, step back and remain at attention in their original positions.

On the words of command “Prepare to fold,” the bearer party commander firmly pinches the center of the flag.
On the word of command “Fold,” bearers 1 and 2 fold the flag under.

On the words of command “Prepare to fold,” the bearer party commander firmly pinches the center of the flag.
On the word of command “Fold,” bearers 1 and 2 fold the flag over.