History Of Jamaican Flag

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By Lukas McKinley


Jamaica is an island in the West Indies, south of Cuba and west of Haiti. Jamaica was inhabited by Arawak Indians when Columbus explored it in 1494 and named it St. Iago. It remained under Spanish rule until 1655, when it became a British possession.

Plunder, disruption of economic activities, new diseases, and migration decimated the indigenous population. Only a few artifacts-facts, examples of which are on display at the small museum at White Marl, and a few Spanish corruptions of place names (such as Ocho Rios) remain from this period. Otherwise, there is no Arawak influence on the subsequent development of life on the island.

On August 6, 1962, Jamaica was granted its independence from England. Jamaica now has its own constitution which sets out the laws by which the people are governed. The constitution provides for the freedom, equality and justice for all who dwell in the country.

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 flag is symbolized by the motto: 'Hardships there are but the land is green and the sun shineth'. The black triangles represent the adversity Jamaica has overcome and for hardships, it may have in the future. The green triangles represent hope and agriculture and the golden saltire (diagonal cross) stands for the mineral wealth of Jamaica and sunlight.

The Jamaican national flag features green, black, and gold, all common colors in African cultures and seen on various African flags, reflecting the country's African heritage. The green symbolizes hope, agricultural richness, and vegetation. Black has represented hardships as well as strength for overcoming those hardships, and gold is for the sun shining on Jamaica. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize the history of Jamaican Flag for the future.




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