The gonfalon, gonfanon, gonfalone is a type of heraldic flag or banner, often pointed, swallow-tailed, or with several streamers, and suspended from a crossbar in an identical manner to the ancient Roman vexillum. It was first adopted by Italian medieval communes, and later, by local guilds, corporations and districts. The difference between a gonfalon with long tails and a standard is that a gonfalon displays the device on the non-tailed area, and the standard displays badges down the whole length of the flag.
The tip of a gonfalon from the 1839 Eglinton Tournament as held at Eglinton Castle in Scotland.
A banner can be a flag or another piece of cloth bearing a symbol, logo, slogan or another message. A flag whose design is the same as the shield in a coat of arms is called a banner of arms. Also, a bar-shaped piece of non-cloth advertising material sporting a name, slogan, or other marketing message is also a banner.
Banners of Knights of the Thistle displayed in St Giles' Cathedral
Banner of Cardinal Wolsey
Religious banners of Catholic brotherhoods in Lier, Belgium
Russian Orthodox Crucession with lantern, processional cross and Khorugvi (banners).