Symbols are used to explain a certain set of principles, rules, preferences, and as for the flag, identification. So it has nothing to do with just randomly choosing objects without having any underlying meaning.
The six symbols of Jamaica ALL have individual meanings and as such I am very excited to give some insights as to what these meanings are and why they were chosen as symbols in the first place.
These six symbols are:
1. The Jamaican National Bird
The Jamaican national bird is called the doctor bird. It is an outstanding bird. It is one of 320 species of hummingbirds and the most unique. The scientific name for the doctor bird is “Trochihlus Polytmus.” It may also be called the “swallow-tail hummingbird”, “streamer-tail”, “scissors-tail”, or “swallow-streamer.”
2. The Jamaican Coat Of Arms
The Jamaican Coat of Arms has a male and female member who are said to be of the Taino tribe(Jamaica’s first inhabitants). It also has a shield, five golden pineapples, a Royal Helmet and Mantlings, and a crocodile.
3. The National Fruit of Jamaica
The National Fruit of Jamaica is the Ackee. Although the ackee is not indigenous to Jamaica, it has remarkable historic associations. Originally, it was imported to the island from West Africa, probably on a slave ship. Now it grows here luxuriantly, producing large quantities of edible fruit each year.
4. The National Flag 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.
5. The National Jamaica Flower
The National Jamaica Flower is called the Lignum Vitae and it is one of the six (6) national symbols of Jamaica. Its scientific name is Guiacum Officinale. Some people often make the mistake and call it the national tree, but it is the national flower and not the national tree. The national tree of Jamaica is indeed the Blue Mahoe, so remember the difference.
6. The Jamaica National Tree
The Jamaica National Tree is known as the Blue Mahoe, or for those interested in the scientific name, it is called the Hibiscus Elatus. The Blue Mahoe is the national tree of Jamaica and is not to be mistaken for the national flower of Jamaica which is called the Lignum Vitae.
All six national symbols of Jamaica reflects truly why I am Jamaican and why I am proud and love to be Jamaican.
I do hope after reading the information on each symbol that you get a better understanding of why they were chosen to represent us as Jamaicans.
“OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE” – One Love!!