Category:National symbols of Jamaica

From Jamaica Wiki

The Jamaica National Flag

The national flag of Jamaica was adopted on its independence day - August 6, 1962. its colours are symbolic for the Jamaican people. Black symbolizes the strength of black people, gold – the sun of Ethiopia and the wealth and green – hope and the agricultural resources of the country.

The Jamaican Coat of Arms

The motto of Jamaica is ‘Out of Many One People’. It is based on the multi national mix of people in Jamaica. The motto is represented in the Coat of Arms. This symbol shows Taino male and female standing on both sides of a shield. There is a red cross with five golden pineapples within the shield.

The National Fruit of Jamaica

The national fruit of Jamaica is the Ackee (Blighia sapida). It was first brought to Jamaica by the slave ships from Africa and that is why it has strong symbolic meaning. Today it is widely eaten in Jamaica. It is also introduced to the rest of the Caribbean islands and North America

The National Flower of Jamaica

Jamaican national flower is the Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale). The plant was found by Christopher Columbus when he first came to the island. The name of the flower means “wood of life” in Latin. Most people believe that the name came from the healing qualities of the flower.

The National Tree of Jamaica

Jamaican national tree is the Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus). It is indigenous to the island. It is a beautiful tree that usually grows up to 20m in height. The name of the tree originates from a Carib Indian word. The 'Blue' in the name comes from the blue-green streaks in the polished wood, giving it a distinctive appearance.

The Blue Mahoe is very durable and that is why it is used for furniture production in Jamaica. Jamaicans make many decorative objects out if it - picture frames, bowls and carving. However Jamaica is not the home of this tree. Cuba is the only place where it grows naturally.

The National Bird of Jamaica

The national bird of Jamaica is the Doctor-Bird (Trochilus polytmus). The specie lives in Jamaica only and that is why it is unique to the island. The bird is quite beautiful – it has nice feathers and a long tail. The bird is found in many of the Jamaican legends and folklore.

However it is still a mystery where the name of the Doctor Bird came from. Some people believe that the resemblance of the bird's feather to the doctors' clothing from the old days was the reason for the name. Other believe that the name refers to the way the birds lance the flowers with their bills to extract nectar.

Another believe that came from Jamaican folklore is that the bird has magical powers. That is why it is still an object of superstition. The Arawaks call the bird the ‘God bird’. They believe that it was the reincarnation of dead souls. This conception is widely spread in many of the folk songs origination in Jamaica.