Jamaica National Symbols

The Jamaican Flag

Jamaica National Symbols - The green black and gold of the Jamaican flag represents the land, the black the people and the year round sunshine.  

This flag was first raised for the first time on the 6th August 1962 on Jamaica’s Independence Day.  

This event is celebrated annually and recently Jamaica celebrated its 51st anniversary of Independence.

Jamaica National Symbols -   Anthem

Eternal Father bless our land Guard us with Thy mighty Hand Keep us free from evil powers, Be our light through countless hours. To our Leaders Great Defender, Grant true wisdom from above. Justice, Truth be ours forever, Jamaica, Land we love Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Teach us true respect for all, Stir response to duty's call, Strengthen us the weak to cherish, Give us vision lest we perish. Knowledge send us Heavenly Father, Grant true wisdom from above. Justice, Truth be ours forever, Jamaica, Land we love. Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Jamaica National Symbols -  Coat of Arms

Jamaica’s Coat of Arms bears the country’s motto of “Out of Many One People” at its base; above which stands a male and female figure representing the original peoples of Jamaica known as Tianos, also known as Arawak Indians.

The shield of a red cross decorated by 5 pineapples is guarded by the two figures and above stands the Royal Helmet of the British Monarchy and above this, sits a Jamaican Crocodile.

Jamaica National Heroes

Jamaica National Symbols - Pledge

"Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigor of my body in the service of my fellow citizens, I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race".

Fruit 

The Ackee, imported to Jamaica back in the 1770s, is Jamaica’s national fruit.  

Add some salted codfish and some Jamaican seasonings and you have ackee and salt fish – the National Dish of Jamaica.  

Jamaicans eat this tasty dish with a variety of foods such as boiled green banana at breakfast, with rice for lunch or with yams and dumplings for dinner.   

 Tree 

The Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus) is Jamaica’s national tree.  This tree can be found in the thick of the forest and the wood is often used to make timber for cabinet making in Jamaica and elsewhere.  

The timber is of a blue-green hue which when polished gives a beautiful and durable sheen of a blue-green-yellow finish.  

Jamaica's National Symbols - Flower 

The Lignum Vitae (also known as the wood of life) is indigenous to Jamaica and is believed to have medicinal qualities. 

The tree thrives in the dry woodlands of Jamaica and blooms a pretty powder blue flower.   

The wood of the Lignum Vitae is used in shipbuilding.  

Jamaica's National Symbols - Bird 

Jamaica’s national bird is known locally at the Doctor Bird.  It is a small swallow-tail humming bird, and it's principal colour is green.  It is indigenous to Jamaica and its beautiful feathers of different hues are believed to have no counterpart in the entire bird population and are unique to that particular type of bird.  

The mature male has two distinct long tails streaming and flickering in the air as it flies and floats in the air as it feeds from its selected flower.  There is a certain amount of superstition attached to the Doctor Bird in Jamaica and is prevalent in folklore traditional songs.

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