 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
 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.
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