National Symbols


National Anthem – “Jamaica Land We Love”

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 weak 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

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The Jamaican Coat of Arms

The Arms shows a male and female Arawak, standing on either side of the shield which bears a red cross with five golden pineapples superimposed on it. The Crest is a Jamaican crocodile surmounting the Royal Helmet and Mantling. The original Latin motto, “Indus Uterque Serviet Uni”, has been changed to one in English: “Out of many one People”.

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The Jamaica National Flag

The Jamaica National Flag came into use on August 6, 1962, on Jamaica’s Independence Day. The Flag has a diagonal cross and four triangles. Black symbolizes the strength and creativity of the Jamaican people; Gold, for natural wealth and beauty of sunlight; and Greenstands for hope and agricultural resources”.

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National Bird – The Humming Bird

The “Doctor Bird” (Trochilus polytmus) lives only in Jamaica and is one of the most outstanding of all the species of Humming Birds. The feathers of the Doctor Bird are beautifully iridescent, a characteristic peculiar to this family.

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National Flower- Lignum Vitae

Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale) is indigenous to Jamaica and was found here by Christopher Columbus. It is thought that the name “Wood of Life” was then adopted because of its medicinal qualities. In addition to shedding an attractive flower, the plant itself is extremely ornamental.

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National Tree – Blue Mahoe

The Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus) has been regarded as one of Jamaica's primary economic timbers. It is currently used for re-afforestation and is a valuable source of cabinet timber. Of an attractive blue-green colour with veriegated yellow intrusions, it is capable of taking a high polish, showing the variety of grain and colour tones.

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National fruit - Ackee

Ackee (Blighia sapida) is Jamaican National fruit. Whilst not indigenous to Jamaica, this fruit has remarkable historic associations. It was originally imported from West Africa, probably brought here in a slave ship, and now grows luxuriously producing each year large quantities of edible fruit. Jamaica is the only place where the fruit is generally recognized as an edible crop although the plant has been introduced into most of the other Caribbean Islands.

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National Costume (Miss Lu)

A full quadrille skirt made of Madras bandana (predominantly red plaid cotton) material worn usually with a white blouse edged with matching bandana. Headwear varies from bandana wrapped in a special design to straw hat decorated with flowers.

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