Question: How did the 21-gun salute tradition originate?
Answer: The 21-gun salute originated during the 14th century as a naval tradition. The British Navy developed the custom of a seven-gun salute because naval vessels typically had seven guns. Forts on land, which had more gunpowder, would respond with three shots for every one fired at sea—adding up to 21. This practice evolved into the modern 21-gun salute, now recognized internationally as the highest ceremonial honor.
