National Symbols of Nicaragua

The Nicaraguan Flag

The Nicaraguan flag has three horizontal bands with the national coat of arms centered in the white band. The white band represents the territory of Nicaragua as well as its pureness.

The two blue bands signify the two oceans that border Nicaragua.

The coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom.

• It has the shape of an equal triangle
• The triangle stands for EQUALITY
• The rainbow signifies PEACE.
• The phrygian cap symbolizes FREEDOM
• The five volcanoes represent the UNION and the FRATERNITY between the five Central American countries.

Information derived from the Presidency of the Republic of Nicaragua
http://www.presidencia.gob.ni

- National Bird

English name: Turquoise-browed Motmot
Spanish name: Guardabarranco Común
Latin name: Eumomota superciliosa

Nicaragua's national bird is the motmot. This brightly colored bird can be easily recognized by its long, light blue tail. Motmots eat mostly insects, and they, oddly, dig a hole to lay their eggs. They can be seen in forests throughout Nicaragua, mostly in the southwest of the country.

His habitat is not limited by city boundaries, as this bird can even be seen in Nicaragua's capital city, Managua.

- National Flower

This colorfol flower called Sacuanjoche is Nicaragua's national flower. The flower actually grows on a tree, the Plumeria alba or Frangipani; a conical type of tree that flowers around May. The local name, Sacuanjoche, is derived from the Náhuatl language. The flower appears on the rarely used 1, 5, 10, and 25 cent banknotes

- National Tree

The Madroño (Calycophyllum candidissimum) is the national tree of Nicaragua.

- Anthem

The national anthem of Nicaragua was chosen after a contest held in 1918 by the incumbent government. The contestants were asked to write two quartets about work and peace, which had to be easily adaptable to the already established melody.

The melody was part of a liturgical song used by a frailer called Castinove as part of his teaching of Christian faith to indigenous people in Subtiaba, close to the city of León (nowadays, Subtiaba is part of the city)

The winner of the contest, who received all of the votes, was poet Salomón Ibarra Mayorga with his song known as "Salve a tí, Nicaragua" (Saveguard yourself, Nicaragua):

¡Salve a tí, Nicaragua! En tu suelo
ya no ruge la voz del cañón,
ni se tiñe con sangre de hermanos
tu glorioso pendón bicolor.

Brille hermosa la paz en tu cielo,
nada empañe tu gloria inmortal,
que el trabajo es tu digno laurel
y el honor es tu enseña triunfal.

National Symbols of Nepal

The national insignias are in a way theme of a particular nation. These are the symbols and things that the inhabitant of that nation respect and want to be respected. In a way, these symbols are attached with the conscience of the citizens of that nation.

National Flag of Nepal
The national flag of Nepal is distinct in itself. First of all, it is not rectangular as the flags of other countries are. Then again it is not a single banner but a combination of two banners. It has a red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping right triangles. The smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized moon and the larger lower triangle bears a white 12-pointed sun. Both these triangles bear the signs of two ruling dynasties respectively.

National Emblem of Nepal
The national emblem of Nepal consists of the Rhododendron flower followed by a white cow. In the left are a green Pheasant and two Gorkha soldiers. One of the soldiers is carrying a Khukri, a bow, and an arrow and the other has a modern rifle. In the background are the various peaks of the Himalayas Mountain. It also has the moon and the sun, both with faces showing caste marks. In the foreground are two crossed Nepalese Flags and Khukri, the footprints of Gorakhnath, the guardian deity of the Gorkhas, wearing the royal headdress. At the base of the design a red scroll carries the national motto in Sanskrit " Janani janmabhumis cha, swarga tapi gariyase" (The mother and the motherland are both dearer than heaven).

National Bird and Animal of Nepal
National bird and animal of Nepal are Lophophoros and Cow respectively. These creatures are the most revered in the entire Kingdom of Nepal. The cow being the thing of reverence in Hinduism has a special place in the heart of the Nepalese. Therefore forget beef till the time you are in Nepal

The National Symbols of Jamaica!

The Jamaica National Flag

One of the most popular national symbols of Jamaica, The Jamaica National Flag was first raised on Independence Day, August 6, 1962. It signifies the birth of our nation. The Flag brings to mind memories of past achievements and gives inspiration towards further success. It is flown on many triumphant occasions, showing the pride that Jamaicans have in their country and in the flag itself.

The Jamaican Coat of Arms

The Jamaican national motto is ‘Out of Many One People’, based on the population’s multi-racial roots. The motto is represented on the Coat of Arms, showing a male and female member of the Taino tribe standing on either side of a shield which bears a red cross with five golden pineapples. The crest shows a Jamaican crocodile mounted on the Royal Helmet of the British Monarchy and mantling.

The National Fruit – The Ackee (Blighia sapida)

“Carry me ackee go a Linstead Market, not a quattie wud sell” is a line in the popular Jamaican folk song ‘Linstead Market’.

Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica as well as a component of the national dish – ackee and codfish. Although the ackee is not indigenous to Jamaica, it has remarkable historic associations.

National Bird - The Doctor Bird (Trochilus polytmus)

The doctor bird or swallow tail humming bird, is one of the most outstanding of the 320 species of hummingbirds. It lives only in Jamaica. These birds’ beautiful feathers have no counterpart in the entire bird population and they produce iridescent colours characteristic only of that family.

In addition to these beautiful feathers, the mature male has tow long tails which stream behind him when he flies. The doctor bird remains a colorful national symbol of Jamaica!

The National Flower – Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale)

The Lignum Vitae was found here by Christopher Columbus. Its name, when translated from Latin, means “wood of life” – probably adopted because of its medicinal qualities. The short, compact tree is native to continental tropical American and the West Indies. In Jamaica it grows best in the dry woodland along the north and south coasts of the island.

National Tree – The Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus Elatus)

The Blue Mahoe is the national tree of Jamaica. It is indigenous to the island and grows quite rapidly, often attaining 20m (66ft) or more in height. In wetter districts it will grow in a wide range of elevations, up to 1200m (4000 ft.) and is often used in reforestation.

The tree is quite attractive with its straight trunk, broad green leaves and hibiscus-like flowers.

National Symbols of Bhutan

National Emblem

Royal Crest, The national emblem of Bhutan

A circle projecting a double diamond thunderbolt placed above the lotus is the National Emblem of Bhutan. There are two dragons on the either sides and jewels on all the sides. Lotus represents purity; the thunderbolts harmony between secular and religious power and the jewels signifies sovereign power. The dragons on the either side, a male and a female, represent the name of the country. (Druk means dragon and for the Bhutanese, Bhutan is known as Druk yul or the Land of the Dragon).

National flag

The National Flag of Bhutan

The rectangular national flag is diagonally divided into two parts with a white dragon on the divide. The upper half is yellow and the lower saffron-orange. The upper half signifies the secular power and authority of the king. The lower half represents the practice of religion and power of the Buddhism. The white dragon signifies the name of the country. The jewels in its claws stand for the wealth and perfection of the country. The national flag on Bhutan was created in 1947 by Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji. It was later modified in 1956 which took the present shape.

National Language

Over 19 languages and dialects spoken all over the country makes Bhutan a multi-lingual society. The language which was used by the people working in the Dzongs is today the national language. The dzongs or the fortress was the seats of temporal and spiritual leaders. Feeling the need to have a common means of communication, Dzongkha was introduced as the national language of Bhutan.

National Anthem of Bhutan

National anthem of Bhutan was first composed in 1953 and became official in 1966. It is known as Druk Tshenden Kepay Gyalkhab Na (In the Dragon Kingdom, where cypress grows).

Original Bhutanese Lyrics

Druk tsendhen
Druk tsendhen koipi gyelkhap na
Lug nyi ki tenpa chongwai gyon
Pel mewang ngadhak rinpo chhe
Ku jurmey tenching chhap tsid phel
Chho Sangye ten pa goong dho phel
Bang dey kyed nyima shar warr sho.

English Translation

The Thunder Dragon Kingdom of Cypress
In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, where cypresses grow
Refuge of the glorious monastic and civil traditions,
The glorious King of Druk, precious soverign,
His being is eternal, his reign prosperous.
May the teachings of the Blessed one thrive and flourish!
May the sun of peace and happiness shine on the people!

National Day

The national day of Bhutan marks the crowning of Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck as the first king of Bhutan, in Punakha Dzong on 17 December 1907. He was elected unanimously by the people of Bhutan for restoring peace and order when he was the Trongsa Penlop, Governor of Trongsa.Thus annually 17^th December is marked as the National Day of Bhutan.

National Flower

Blue Poppy, The National Flower of Bhutan

Blue Poppy (Meconopsis horridula) found on the rocky mountain terrain above the tree line (3500-4500) is the national flower of Bhutan. It is delicate blue or purple tinged blooms with a white filament. It grows to a height of 1 meter. The flower which is liked with myth of a yeti was discovered by a British Botanist in 1933 in remote part of Sakteng

The National Tree

Big cypresses (Cupressus torulosa) found near religions structures in the temperate zone, between 1800 and 3500 metres altitudeis the National Tree of Bhutan. The national tree of Bhutan, Cypress, is associated with religion. Its ability to survive on rugged terrain is compared to bravery and simplicity.

The national bird

Raven is the national bird of Bhutan. Raven which represents the chief guardian deity of Bhutan Gonpo Jarodongchen (raven headed Mahakala) also ornaments the royal crown.

The national animal

Takin (budorcas taxicolor)

Takin (budorcas taxicolor) is the national animal of Bhutan. This very rare animal is associated with religious history and mythology. This is the reason for choosing it as the National Animal of Bhutan. Takins have a thick neck and short muscular legs. They live in groups and are found in places 4000 meters high on the north-western and far north eastern parts of the country. They feed on bamboos and weigh about 250 kgs.

National Games

Archery, National Sport of Bhutan

is the most popular games played in Bhutan. It is the national game of Bhutan. Archery is played between two teams wearing traditional dress. Each team shoots sets of arrows at a small wooded target. The members of the team sings and dances each time one player of the team shoots at the target.

Traditional sports like dart (khuru), javelin throw (suksom) are also played. Football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, golf, cricket are some of the sports played today in Bhutan

The National Flower of Pakistan

Chambeili Jasmine

National Bird of Pakistan

The Chukar (Alectoris chukar) is a Eurasian upland game bird in the pheasant family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes, gallinaceous birds. Its native range in Asia from Pakistan and Kashmir, India and Afghanistan. It is closely related and similar to its western equivalent, the Red-legged Partridge, Alectoris rufa. The Chukar is a rotund 32-35 cm long bird, with a light brown back, grey breast, and buff belly. The face is white with a black gorget. It has rufous-streaked flanks and red legs. When disturbed, it prefers to run rather than fly, but if necessary it flies a short distance on rounded wings. Chukar prefer rocky, steep, and open hillsides. The Chukar is a resident breeder in dry, open, and often hilly country. In the wild, Chukar travel in groups of 5-40 birds called coveys. It nests in a scantily lined ground scrape laying 8 to 20 eggs. Chukars will take a wide variety of seeds and some insects as food. When in captivity, they will lay 1 egg per day throughout the breeding season if the eggs are collected daily. For hunters, Chakur is a very challneging bird becuase of its surgical upward flights and sudden disappearances in the bushes.

Attached Thumbnails

National Simbol of India

National Flag

The National Flag is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron (kesaria) at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of width of the flag to its length is two to three. In the centre of the white band is a navy-blue wheel which represents the chakra. Its design is that of the wheel which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. Its diameter approximates to the width of the white band and it has 24 spokes. The design of the National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 22 July 1947.

National Bird

The Indian peacock, Pavo cristatus, the national bird of India, is a colourful, swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck. The male of the species is more colourful than the female, with a glistening blue breast and neck and a spectacular bronze-green train of around 200 elongated feathers. The female is brownish, slightly smaller than the male and lacks the train. The elaborate courtship dance of the male, fanning out the tail and preening its feathers is a gorgeous sight.

National Flower

Lotus (Nelumbo Nucipera Gaertn) is the National Flower of India. It is a sacred flower and occupies a unique position in the art and mythology of ancient India and has been an auspicious symbol of Indian culture since time immemorial.

India is rich in flora. Currently available data place India in the tenth position in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity. From about 70 per cent geographical area surveyed so far, 47,000 species of plants have been described by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI).

National Tree

Indian fig tree, Ficus bengalensis, whose branches root themselves like new trees over a large area. The roots then give rise to more trunks and branches. Because of this characteristic and its longevity, this tree is considered immortal and is an integral part of the myths and legends of India. Even today, the banyan tree is the focal point of village life and the village council meets under the shade of this tree.

National Anthem

Jana Gana Mana

The composition consisting of the words and music of the first stanza of the late poet Rabindra Nath Tagore’s song known as “Jana Gana Mana” is the National Anthem of India.The above is the full version of the Anthem and its playing time is approximately 52 seconds. A short version consisting of the first and last lines of the National Anthem is also played on certain occasions.Playing time of the short version is about 20 seconds.

National Emblem

The state emblem is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. In the original, there are four lions, standing back to back, mounted on an abacus with a frieze carrying sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion separated by intervening wheels over a bell-shaped lotus. Carved out of a single block of polished sandstone, the Capital is crowned by the Wheel of the Law (Dharma Chakra) .

In the state emblem, adopted by the Government of India on 26 January 1950, only three lions are visible, the fourth being hidden from view. The wheel appears in relief in the centre of the abacus with a bull on right and a horse on left and the outlines of other wheels on extreme right and left. The bell-shaped lotus has been omitted. The words Satyameva Jayate from Mundaka Upanishad , meaning ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’, are inscribed below the abacus in Devanagari script.

National Calendar

The national calendar based on the Saka Era, with Chaitra as its first month and a normal year of 365 days was adopted from 22 March 1957 along with the Gregorian calendar for the following official purposes:

(i) Gazette of India,
(ii) news broadcast by All India Radio,
(iii) calendars issued by the Government of India and
(iv) Government communications addressed to the members of the public.

Dates of the national calendar have a permanent correspondence with dates of the Gregorian calendar, 1 Chaitra falling on 22 March normally and on 21 March in leap year.

National River

The Ganga or Ganges is the longest river of India flowing over 2,510 kms of mountains, valleys and plains. It originates in the snowfields of the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas as the Bhagirathi River. It is later joined by other rivers such as the Alaknanda, Yamuna, Son, Gumti, Kosi and Ghagra. The Ganga river basin is one of the most fertile and densely populated areas of the world and covers an area of 1,000,000 sq. kms. There are two dams on the river – one at Haridwar and the other at Farakka. The Ganges River Dolphin is an endangered animal that specifically habitats this river.

The Ganga is revered by Hindus as the most sacred river on earth. Key religious ceremonies are held on the banks of the river at cities such as Varanasi, Haridwar and Allahabad. The Ganga widens out into the Ganges Delta in the Sunderbans swamp of Bangladesh, before it ends its journey by emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

National Animal

The magnificent tiger, Panthera tigris is a striped animal. It has a thick yellow coat of fur with dark stripes. The combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power has earned the tiger its pride of place as the national animal of India. Out of eight races of the species known, the Indian race, the Royal Bengal Tiger, is found throughout the country except in the north-western region and also in the neighbouring countries, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. To check the dwindling population of tigers in India, ‘Project Tiger’ was launched in April 1973. So far, 27 tiger reserves have been established in the country under this project, covering an area of 37,761 sq km.

National Song

Vande Mataram

The song Vande Mataram, composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji, was a source of inspiration to the people in their struggle for freedom. It has an equal status with Jana-gana-man a. The first political occasion when it was sung was the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress.

National Fruit

A fleshy fruit, eaten ripe or used green for pickles etc., of the tree Mangifera indica, the mango is one of the most important and widely cultivated fruits of the tropical world. Its juicy fruit is a rich source of Vitamins A, C and D. In India there are over100 varieties of mangoes, in different sizes, shapes and colours. Mangoes have been cultivated in India from time immemorial. The poet Kalidasa sang its praises. Alexander savoured its taste, as did the Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang. Mughal emperor Akbar planted 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga, Bihar at a place now known as Lakhi Bagh.

National Game

India has conquered the podium when it comes to the game of Hockey. Our nation has an excellent record with eight Olympic gold medals. Indian hockey’s golden period was from 1928-56, when the Indian hockey team won six successive Olympic gold medals. Team also won the 1975 World Cup besides two more medals (silver and a bronze). The Indian Hockey Federation gained global affiliation in 1927 and joined the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Source : National Portal of India.

National Symbols of India: The National Emblem

The National Emblem of India

The Emblem of India is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka.

Emperor Ashoka the Great erected the capital atop an Ashoka Pillar to mark the spot where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and where the Buddhist Sangha was founded. In the original there are four Asiatic lions, standing back to back, mounted on a circular abacus with a frieze carrying sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion separated by intervening Dharmachakra or Ashoka Chakra wheels over a bell-shaped lotus. It was carved out of a single block of polished sandstone.

The version used as the Emblem does not include the fourth lion (since it is hidden from view at the rear) or the bell-shaped lotus flower beneath. The frieze beneath the lions is shown with the Dharma Chakra in the center, a bull on the right and a galloping horse on the left, and outlines of Dharma Chakras on the extreme right and left.

National Symbols of South Africa

National Symbols

Our National Coat of Arms

Rising sun, symbol of energy

Secretary bird, fighter and protector

Protea, symbol of diversity and potential

National motto in !Xam - unity in diversity

Ears of wheat represent fertility and growth

Shield with Khoisan figures, symbols of a shared heritage

Spear and knobkierie, symbols of State Authority and peace

Elephant tusks symbolise wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity

South Africa's national flower is the Protea,
named after the Greek God, Proteus, who could change his shape at will.

The endangered Blue Crane is the national bird.

The Springbok gazelle is the national animal

Cossacs for Independence

In the late 16th-early 17th centuries a very special social group of Ukrainain population usually referred to as COSSACKS appeared in Ukraine. The Cossacks were mostly descendants of serfs who had run away from their masters and settled down at the unoccupied and unclaimed lands. With the passage of time their numbers grew so significantly that they formed what amounted to an independent state with self-government bodies and an elected head called Hetman. The Cossacks were fiercely independent by nature and fought hard to preserve their free ways from the Tartars of Crimea, Ottoman Turks and Poles. Constant fighting made excellent foot soldiers and cavalrymen out of them. In the middle of the 17th century, headed by Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky, an astute statesman and daring general, the Cossacks fought a war of independence against Poland. It was the time of growing national identity but Bohdan Kmelnytsky realized too well that he did not have enough forces to overpower all the enemies on all the fronts and he was forced to bring Ukraine under the protection of the Russian Czar. Unfortunately, the insatiable appetites of the imperial Russia were such that Ukraine was gobbled up whole and by the end of the 18th century was turned into a backwater province. Even the Ukrainian language came under danger of extinction, but thanks to the efforts of prominent Ukrainian literati with the national revival on their minds - among whom Taras Shevchenko stands as the most distinguished figure - the Ukreinian language and literature did nit die and continued their development despite the hard pressure aimed at their suppression.

New Zealand's national symbol

New Zealand's national symbol: is the flightless and fast disappearing Kiwi that lends it's name to the people of our nation. See Kiwi Links below... Also the Silver Fern - more associated with our national sports teams.

... The Kiwi - New Zealand's national symbol ...

South African National Symbols

The South African National Symbols tell you a lot about the culture in South Africa. Thanks to the end of the apartheid these symbols have become more original, washing away the “imported” heritage from Europe.
Many of the national symbols of South Africa are or have features from nature and wildlife. They range from Flowers, over animals, to gold. Yet the most popular symbol of South Africa is Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela is for South Africa, what Ghandi is for India. And South Africans are very proud to have one the sons of their beautiful and unique country, to be an international symbol of freedom and hope to the world.

Two of the most predominant South African national symbols is the marvelous Protea flower and the amazing Springbok antelope.

Both of South Africa’s most famous and successful sporting teams, the national rugby union team and the cricket team, are named after these national symbols. In the Rugby world the South African squad is known as the Springboks. The cricket team is known as the Proteas.

The protea grows predominantly south of the Limpopo River , in the Karoo and in the Western Cape . With its beautiful colours of purple, green, red and yellow, the protea makes a majestic impression and makes a magnificent national symbol.


The Springbok (an Afrikaans word: spring= jump and bok= antelope or goat) is found in the semi dessert areas of Southern Africa . The Springbok has its name for its impressive jumping ability, which they implement to impress females and run away from predators.

The Springbok is also found on the reverse side of the Kruger Rand coins . This may not surprise as the Kruger Rand is a South African National Symbol itself.
An international symbol for South Africa is the Table Mountain in Cape Town. The Western Cape attracts the most tourists in comparison with all South African provinces . The Table Mountain is one of its many attractions.

For the navigators from Europe, who would ship all the way to East Asia and Australia, the Table Mountain was a symbol of safety and hope that they had made it to their intermediate stop on the long trip to Asia.

This is how the cape at the Table Mountain received the name The Cape of Good Hope.


South African Traditions -- The heritage of South African Traditions is reflected in over 300 museums in South African. South Africa's rich history and traditions date back to some of the earliest human settlements in the world. Come and find out more!

NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF CANADA

National Symbols of Canada






National Symbols of Canada
Catalogue Number: MCI011DV


Language: ENGLISH
Grade Level Ages 7 - 11
Country of Origin: Canada
Copyright Year: 2008
Program Length: 20
Guide Available: Yes
Rights: Public Performance Rights


Every country has its own set of unique symbols. These establish an identity that sets the country apart from other nations in the world. Symbols also tell a story of a nation, its people, environment and history. More important, symbols embody what a nation represents, both to other nations and to its citizens. They represent the values, goals and aspirations that are shared by all its citizens. Our symbols tell us stories about the Inuit who have lived in Canada for a very long time and the French and English who were the first Europeans to establish permanent settlements in Canada and the many different nationalities who have helped settle this vast country.


This is part of the following Series:
National, Provincial & Territorial Symbols of Canada Kit|

THE NATIONAL BIRD

The Sisserou Parrot (Amazona imperialis)

Sisserou is the original Carib/Kalinago name for this, the largest of the Amazona parrots. It is endemic to Dominica, being found nowhere else in the world. It is the ancient remnant of a species of parrot once found in South America that came to Dominica thousands of years ago. Locked into its island habitat, it remained the same while the original species on mainland South America changed by natural selection. It is therefore a perfect example of Charles Darwin’s findings on the evolution of species. Dominica is the only island in the Lesser Antilles that still has two surviving Amazona parrots, the Sisserou and the Jacko or Red Necked Parrot (Amazona aurasiaca). The indigenous people tamed some of these birds and their feathers were also used to decorate their bodies. The Sisserou, particularly, became a prize collector’s item during the 19^th century when naturalists came to shoot samples for their collections. The carcasses of many long dead Sisserous lie in drawers in museums in Europe and North America. For much of the 20^th century the Sisserou was threatened by hunting and loss of habitat due to the forests being cleared for agriculture. But since being declared the national bird, protective legislation and educational programmes have been initiated to ensure its survival. Its image appears on the flag and the coat of arms and national postage stamps. The Dominica State College has it on its crest. More popularly it has given its name to a wide range of products as well as being adopted by a singing group and a former hotel. It appears on T-shirts and a wide range of tourist souvenirs. In January 2000 a national park was established around the highest mountain, Morne Diablotin. The Morne Diablotin National Park protects watersheds and thousands of species of plants and animals, but perhaps, most particularly, it protects the main habitat of the national bird.

THE NATIONAL FLOWER

Bwa Kwaib, Bois Carib (Sabinea carinalis)

This small deciduous tree with brilliant red flowers that grows in the wild mainly along the dry scrub woodland of the west coast, was chosen as the national flower around the time of independence. Its claim to this title is based on the botanical fact that it is endemic to Dominica with only one related species found in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Some years earlier the Dominica Horticultural Society had chosen the balizier or heleconia (Heliconia bihai) as its choice for the national flower. It was selected by the popular vote of people attending one of its exhibitions. Another contender was the beautiful mauve Petrea (Petrea kohautiana) that blossoms on vines throughout the rain forest. But there was the view among the selectors that it was not endemic to Dominica and the uniqueness of the Bwa Kwaib gave it the edge. The flowers have a form typical of pea flowers with a long keel. Scattered bushes grow all along the west coast and make a short-lived burst of colour from February to April and sometimes as late as June. The flowers die within a few days so that this is a rather illusive national flower. During this time it attracts an abundance of insects, hummingbirds and banana quits. Since being declared the national flower the Bwa Kwaib has been spread across the island by human propagation. In many cases it has been planted well out of its natural vegetation range such as in mountain villages and on the east coast. Because of this its flowering is affected according to the micro climate of its location. Schools, churches and government departments were encouraged to plant the national flower in their grounds and so it is now well established around the island.

THE COLONIAL COAT OF ARMS

For most of its history, Dominica had a coat of arms that was designed shortly after the island was ceded to Britain by the Treaty of Paris in 1763. In those first years of British colonization, Portsmouth had been laid out as the capital of Dominica. The first dock for shipping was constructed at the Cabrits on the site where the Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth now stands. The first coat of arms was simply a painting of sailing ships tied up to this dock with the sun rising behind the nearby mountains and a fort in the distance. It is believed that it was devised by the famous Italian artist resident in Dominica, Agostino Brunias, under the direction of Sir William Young who was then Commissioner of the Sale of Lands in the Ceded Islands, and later the first governor of Dominica.

The motto of the colony appeared on a scroll below the shield and was written in Latin : "Animis opibusque parati", which translates into English as: "Ready with our lives and our resources" or put simply, "Ready for anything". It is also the motto on the coat of arms of the US state of South Carolina. In the 1760s Dominica was a new colony, freshly settled by colonists eager to open up plantations in the virgin forests and the motto was a call to action. It reflected the spirit of the times, but it was still relevant even in the first half of the 20^th century, when farmers were trying all sorts of new crops to replace sugar cane.

This coat of arms can still be seen on the brass plaque on the cenotaph or war memorial on Victoria Street in Roseau. The public library also has a wooden plaque with this coat of arms painted on it. It had originally been presented by the colony of Dominica to a British warship, a Colony Class Frigate, active in World War II, called H.M.S. Dominica. The warship was decommissioned and broken up after the war and the plaque was returned to Dominica. When the Dominica Grammar School was founded in 1893 it took a version of the colonial coat of arms as its school crest and this is still in use today.

THE COAT OF ARMS

The coat of arms of Dominica follows the medieval tradition of heraldry in Europe. When armed knights went onto the battlefield they were covered from head to foot in body armour and chain mail and their troops could not tell who they were. So they wore their family symbols as a ‘coat of arms’ on their shields and capes and breastplates to identify themselves in battle. These coats of arms were designed according to rigid rules laid down by the College of Arms and each part of the design represented a particular aspect of that family or royal house.

Dominica had a previous coat of arms during the colonial period in the form of an illustrated shield that was designed by the British after gaining the island by the terms of the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The story of this is given below. It was used up until 1961 when it was replaced with the present coat of arms that continued to be used after independence in 1978.

Our coat of arms was designed in 1960 by three people: The first Chief Minister of Dominica, Franklin A. Baron and the British Administrator of Dominica, Colonel Alec Lovelace and his wife Eleanor. It was assigned to Dominica by royal warrant, signed at Buckingham Palace on 21 July 1961, and was registered at the College of Arms in London on 16 August 1961. As the declaration of the warrant says, it is to be borne "on Seals, Shields, Banners, Flags or otherwise according to the Laws of Arms".

Its formal description as handed down by the College of Arms, is virtually incomprehensible to the modern reader:

"Quarterly Or and Azure a cross filled counterchanged in the first quarter on a Rocky Mount Sable a Coconut Tree fructed proper in the second a Dominica Crapaud also proper in the third on Water Barry wavy a base a Carib canoe with sail set all likewise proper in the forth quarter on a Rocky Mount also sable a Banana Tree fructed also proper and for the crest. On a Wreath Argent and Azure a Rocky Mount Sable thereon a Lion Passant guardant Or and for the Supporters. On either side of Sisserou Parrot (Amazona imperialis) proper beaked and membered or together with the motto Apres Bondie C'est La Ter."

A more understandable description would be that the central shield is divided into four quarters with a background of blue and gold representing the sun, sky and sea. Each quarter has an object representing some aspect of the island. The top left and bottom right quadrants have a coconut palm and banana plant respectively that represents the agriculture of the island. In the top right quadrant is a frog, locally called ‘crapeau’ (Leptodactylus fallax) representing the wildlife. In the lower left quadrant is a Carib/Kalinago canoe representing the indigenous people. On the top or crest of the shield stands a lion representing the two centuries of British rule over the island.

THE MOTTO

The shield is supported by two Sisserou parrots (Amazona imperialis). They are perched on a strip of parchment on which is written in Creole, the national motto: "Apres Bondie C’est La Ter". In the established form accepted by Creole linguists today it would be written: "Apwe Bondye Se La Te." It means, "After God it is the Land". However "La Te" can be translated to mean, the land, the Earth or the soil. But the message of the motto for the people of a mainly agricultural island is that after praising God first, the next most important thing is the land in the form of bearing fruit. It can also be extended to mean the land in the nationalist sense that after your commitment to God then comes your commitment to your country. The use of Creole represents also the influence of France on the island and the part played by African traditions and language in the creation of the Creole heritage.

The origin of this motto is thanks to the folk research of the Roman Catholic priest, Fr. Raymond Proesmans, a member of the Redemtorist order based for many years in the village of Pointe Michel. He went among his parishioners recording many of their traditional sayings, which he noted down in a book. This motto comes from an unidentified farmer from Point Michel. Fr. Proesmans told me that one evening he was out walking when he met a farmer coming down from his garden in the hills. On greeting him and commenting on the variety of fruit and vegetables he was carrying in his back-pack or "conta", the farmer replied, "Wi mon pe, apwe Bondye se la te". When the Administrator and Chief Minister were designing the new coat of arms, he called on Fr. Proesmans to provide a selection of these Creole sayings out of which the national motto was chosen.

FLAGS THAT HAVE FLOWN OVER DOMINICA

The first French settlers who occupied Dominica were a disorganized bunch with no proper government until a commander was sent from Martinique in 1727 to install some form of order. The flag he arrived with was the French Royalist flag with yellow fleur de lis on a white background with the royal coat of arms in the center.

This was replaced with British Union Flag or Union Jack when Britain took over Dominica in 1763.

A French flag flew here again from 7 September 1778 to 1 January 1784 when France occupied the island. By this time the flag of France had been changed to one with a dark blue background and white cross in the center of which was the royal coat of arms.

When the British forces marched into Roseau from Point Michel to repossess the island, the historian Thomas Atwood reports that at Fort Young "As soon as the British troops were in possession of the fort, they hoisted the standard of England on the flagstaff, which being a sight few of the inhabitants had seen before, and being elated with joy on the occasion, they were so eager to lend assistance to hoist it, that they were nearly pulling the halliards by which it was raised, to pieces, and breaking down the flag-staff by force of their numbers."

The Union Jack flew supreme over Dominica for the next 194 years with one brief interruption, when for a few days in 1805 an invasion force of French republican troops took over Roseau and raised the revolutionary tricolour from the flagpole at Fort Young. Within days however the French departed because they were unable to dislodge the British governor and his regiments and militias from the Cabrits Garrison in the north of the island.

Versions of the Union Jack were sometimes flown with the crest of the Leeward Islands upon the background of a blue ensign, when Dominica was put with the Leewards from 1871 to 1940 and with the Windward Islands crest in the center when Dominica was placed under the Windwards government from 1940 to 1955.

From 1955 to 1965 Dominica adopted the blue ensign with its own colonial coat of arms upon it.

From 1958 the Union Jack or Dominica ensign flew side by side with the Flag of the Federation of the West Indies until the collapse of the federation in 1962. This flag was distinguished in its simplicity, being a sun symbolizing unity in the centre of a wavy Caribbean Sea.

When the first National Day was celebrated on 3 November 1965 a flag was adopted with a plain blue ensign, with the Union Flag in the left hand corner and the new national Coat of Arms in the center within a white circle.

In 1967 when Dominica became an Associated State of Britain with full internal self-government, the same flag was adopted except that the white circle was removed. Other Associated States such as Antigua, St. Lucia and St Vincent adopted unique statehood flags which they took into independence with them, but Dominica’s flag had maintained the colonial symbol and therefore was lowered in Windsor Park at midnight on 2 November 1978 while the new national flag was hoisted.