The Jamaican Flag

Throughout our journey, we have, to no surprise, seen the Jamaican flag a lot, and though most people know what it looks like, there’s not as many that know the history behind it.

It was first adopted on the original Jamaican Independence Day, the 6^th of August, 1962. It marks the birth of a nation, and brings memories of past achievements and gives inspiration to further success, at least that’s how they see it. The Jamaican people show their flag on many triumphant occasions, showing the pride that the Jamaicans have in their country in their flag.

The flag itself consists of a gold saltire (cross) dividing the flag into its four sections, two of them green, two of them black. The gold symbolizes the sunshine and natural resources, the black represent the burdens that are borne by the people, while the green symbolizes agriculture and hope for the future.

“The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative”, is the official symbolism of the flag.

The design is a result of multiple suggestions sent in by the public in a national competition. Originally, the flag was designed with stripes, but because it was too similar to the Tanganyikan flag, they added a saltire instead.

Here are some rules concerning the Jamaican flag:

• The Jamaican flag should never be allowed to touch the ground or floor. It should not be flown or used only for decorative purposes on anything that is for temporary use and is likely to be discarded, except on state occasions.
• The flag should never be smaller than any other flag flown at the same time.
• When the flag becomes worn and must be replaced, burn it.
• Do not place any other flag above or to the right of the Jamaican flag, except at foreign embassies, consulates and missions.
• Do not raise any foreign flag publicly, unless the Jamaican flag is also flown, except at foreign embassies, consulates and missions.
• The flag shouldn’t be draped over vehicles, except on military, police and state occasions.