the rally point

"What are you making?"

"Our banner. In battle, we'll need something to wave."

-dialogue from "The Seven Samurai"

isn't it funny that a warrior in this movie made it a point to make a banner for battle? doesn't it seem superfluous to have a flying piece of cloth to make his entourage stick out?

yet, something about this idea hit me. the banner didn't merely exist for show - it solidified the group identity with a symbol. it became the point around which the warriors could rally and unite. it was an icon that didn't have meaning in itself but pointed to a higher idea of identity and purpose.

don't know why this resonates with me.