Symbols and Expressions
After almost five hundred years of European occupation and governance, Jamaica gained its independence from Britain on August 6, 1962. We Jamaicans are extremely proud of our diverse heritage and of our independence. We display this pride openly through our national symbols, motto, anthem and pledge, and by honouring those who helped us make our own way.
Our Heroes
Jamaica has seven National Heroes. They are: Nanny of the Maroons, Samuel Sharpe, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Norman Washington Manley and Sir William Alexander Bustamante. These individuals fought for the social and political freedoms we enjoy today.
Our Coat of Arms
The Jamaican coat of arms depicts one male and one female Taino Indian standing on either side of a shield, bearing a red cross with five pineapples. Above the shield, a Jamaican crocodile rests atop the English royal helmet and mantling. Our national motto – "Out of Many, One People", is inscribed in a banner, beneath the shield. William Sanderoft, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, designed the crest in 1661. The original coat of arms bore the Latin phrase, "Indus Uterque Serviet Uni", which may be translated "Both Indians Served One Master". This was later replaced by "Out of Many, One People".
Our Flag
A diagonal gold cross divides the flag into two black triangles and two green ones. Opposite triangles have the same colours. "Hardships there are, but the land is green and the sun shineth" is the flag's theme. Black represents the strength and creativity of our people; green, our wealth of agricultural resources; and gold, the sunlight over our island and our future hopes.
The National Bird
The indigenous streamer-tailed hummingbird or "doctor bird" is Jamaica's national bird. It is called the "doctor bird" because of its long black tail resembling an old-time doctor's coat. The doctor bird's feathers are the most iridescent and beautiful of all the hummingbirds on the island.
The National Fruit and Dish
Although ackee is not indigenous to Jamaica, we have embraced it as our own, making it our national fruit, and a key ingredient of our national dish - ackee and saltfish, which is usually served for breakfast or brunch. A delicious fruit and a local favourite, it is also a part of our everyday diet. Ackee was brought from Africa, probably on a slave ship, and now grows extensively throughout the island. The unopened ackee is poisonous, but once the sun has dried out the noxious juices, the ripe, yellow fruit is safe to eat, with a flavour and texture much like scrambled eggs.
The National Flower
The flower of the lignum vitae tree or "tree of life" is Jamaica's national flower. It is a lavender-blue flower, which blossoms during spring and early summer. The tree is indigenous to Jamaica and grows best in the dry woodlands on the northern and southern coasts. Its wood is thought to have medicinal value. It is also widely used for the manufacture of furniture and to create beautiful art objects, sought after by locals as well as visitors.
The National Tree
The blue mahoe is Jamaica's national tree. Growing to majestic heights of up to 20 metres (60 feet), this tree is found mainly in the interior of the island. The flowers change colour as they mature from bright yellow to orange-red and finally to crimson. Its wood is also very attractive bearing a blue tint that gives the tree its name. Carpenters use this beautiful wood to make elegant furniture pieces.
The National Costume
Jamaica's national costume mirrors the colourful nature of our people. The costume consists of a long layered skirt, white peasant blouse and a headdress. The skirt and headdress are Madras bandana, a red plaid cotton. Instead of a headdress a straw hat decorated with tropical flowers may be worn.
Our Motto
Our national motto, "Out of Many, One People" reflects Jamaica's rich racial heritage.
We are descendants of people from around the world. Over time, Africans, Asians, Europeans and Middle Easterners have all settled on the island, mixing together to produce the Jamaican people of today.
Our National Anthem
The Jamaican anthem is a beautiful and soulful prayer, sung to a sweet melody. The words were written by Rev. Hugh Sherlock and the music by Robert Lightbourne. Mapletoft Poulle put the lyrics together with the music to create this heart-warming anthem.
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
Our National Pledge
Before God and all mankind
I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart
The wisdom and courage of my mind
The strength and vigour of my body
In the service of my fellow citizen
I promise to stand up for justice, brotherhood and peace
To serve 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