THE JAMAICAN NATIONAL FLAG was raised when Independence was first gained from Britain on the 6th day of August 1962. It's flown on many triumphant occasions. The design came from a bipartisan committee of the Jamaica House of Representatives. Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people; Gold, the natural wealth and beauty of the sunlight and; Green, hope and agriculture resources.
~ Today the flag is interpreted: "The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative".~
The code of use: The Jamaican Flag should never be smaller than any other fag flown at the same time; It should never be allowed to touch the ground/floor; It should not be flown or used only for decorative purposes on anything that is for temporary use and likely to be discarded, except on state occasions; When the flag becomes more worn and must be replace, it must be burned; The flag shouldn't be draped over vehicles, except that of military, police and on state occasions; Do not place any foreign flag above or to the right of the Jamaican flag, except at foreign embassies, consulates and missions; Do not raise any foreign flag publicly, unless the Jamaican flag is also flown, except at foreign embassies, consulates and missions.
THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF JAMAICA is British English. However many on the island speak the Patios dialect, which in recent years has been taught in some schools.
THE JAMAICAN COAT OF ARMS contains the national motto, "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/Arawak American Indian 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. Considered as a legacy from the British with slight modifications, the Jamaican Coat of Arms was granted to Jamaica around 1661 under Royal warrant. The original was designed by William Sancroft, then archbishop of Canterbury. All the figured on the Coat of Arms represents Jamaica.
THE NATIONAL BIRD OF JAMAICA is the Doctor Bird or swallow tail humming bird (found only in Jamaica), is one of the most beautiful of the humming bird species. It's beautiful feathers have no counterpart in the entire bird population and they produce iridescent colours characteristic only of that species. Additionally, the mature male has two long tails which stream behind him when he flies.
Photo: http://www.unitedforjamaica.org/images/bird.jpg
The Pineapples - as the indigenous fruits.
The Arawaks/Tainos - as the first inhabitants of the country
The Crocodile - as the indigenous reptile in the country and
The use of the Royal Helmet and Mantling is a unique distinction accorded to Jamaica by the
British.
Today, the Coat of Arms appears on bank notes, coins and national documents.
Photo: http://www.jcacleveland.org/images/arms.gif
Ackee (Blighia sapida) is the NATIONAL FRUIT OF JAMAICA. Although the ackee tree is not indigenous to Jamaica, it has historic associations. Ackee is also a component of the NATIONAL DISH OF JAMAICA, ackee & salted codfish.
Photo: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkA0W7F0Ars/SS803R3mTJI/AAAAAAAAAjE/1gMeqowIPys/s400/ackee_credit.jpg
Photo: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkA0W7F0Ars/SS803R3mTJI/AAAAAAAAAjE/1gMeqowIPys/s400/ackee_credit.jpg
Photo: http://www.unitedforjamaica.org/images/bird.jpgThe Blue Mahoe is the NATIONAL TREE OF JAMAICA. It is indigenous to the island and grows quite rapidly, often exceeding 60 feet in height. It grows in a wide range of of elevations and is often used in reforestation. The tree's straight trunk, Hibiscus like flowers and broad green leaves are quite attractive.
Some of the issues between the two parties are highlighted in the BET American Gangster: Season 3 Jamaican Gangs.
The Lignum Vitae is the NATIONAL FLOWER OF JAMAICA. It was "found" on the island by Christopher Columbus when he arrived in 1494. It's name was translated from Latin, means "wood of life" (probably adopted because of it's medicinal qualities). The short, compact tree is native to continental tropical America and West Indies. In Jamaica it grows best in the dry woodland and along the northern and southern coasts of the island.
Bob Marley, a legend in his own right, is the contributor of THE UNOFFICIAL SONG OF JAMAICA. This popular song has been used in a number of commercials to attract vacationers to the island.
Traditionally, there have been two POLITICAL PARTIES in Jamaica, The People's National Party (PNP) and The Jamaican Labor Party (JLP). Over the past decade a third party National Democratic Movement (NDM) has emerged, however they have failed to gain muster. Jamaica is also a participating member of the Caribbean Community CARICOM.
This is the famous photo, from the 1978 "One Love Peace" Concert, of Michael Manley(l)-PNP and Edward Seaga(r)-JLP being forced by Bob Marley to hold hands. This was a symbolic gesture of unification. The most notable thing about this photo is how unhappy the two politicians appear to be.
Some of the issues between the two parties are highlighted in the BET American Gangster: Season 3 Jamaican Gangs.
JAMAICA'S NATIONAL PLEDGE is used on special occasions. "Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, wisdom and courage of 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."
In schools a shorter pledge is generally used: "Before God and all mankind, I pledge my love, my loyalty and skills, in the service of Jamaica and my fellow citizens. I promise to work diligently and to help build a prosperous and peaceful nation. Photo: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nXVPef4ajHw/SlNqwExTdEI/AAAAAAAACjk/WHLdbq9Pn1s/s1600/jamaican+boy+flag.jpg
See yuh layta Mon!
In schools a shorter pledge is generally used: "Before God and all mankind, I pledge my love, my loyalty and skills, in the service of Jamaica and my fellow citizens. I promise to work diligently and to help build a prosperous and peaceful nation. Photo: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nXVPef4ajHw/SlNqwExTdEI/AAAAAAAACjk/WHLdbq9Pn1s/s1600/jamaican+boy+flag.jpgTHE JAMAICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM by Hugh Sherlock.
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 wear 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
Happy Independence Day!
2 comments:
Im a little late, Happy Independence Day!!!! It was a blast!
Thanks for your comment, Jamaica Jenny!!!! Glad to know it was a good one for you.
Please stop by again.
~ T.
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