Jamaican Flag

The current Jamaican flag was adopted on Jamaica's Independence Day, 6 August 1962. The flag consists of a yellow / gold diagonal cross (known as a saltaire), dividing the flag in to 4 segmanets. The segments on the top and bottom of the flag are colored green and those on the sides are coloured black. The correct proportions of the flag are 2 x 1 and the width of the saltaire should be one sixth of the length of the hoist (the side of the flag which is in line with the pole).

Several reasons have been attributed to the choice of colours for the Jamaican flag. The first reason is that the flag represents the colours which are commonly seen in Jamaica

gold - the bright sunshine
green - the lush agrigulture and vegetation of the land
black - the skin colour of the people

The second reason for the choice of colours is more symbolic but is similar to the above:-

gold - sunlight and the country's natural wealth and beauty
green - agriculture and hope for the future
black - burdens and hardships of the past

A third reason is that Jamaica chose to adopt the African National Congress (ANC) colours of yellow, green and black. It is also rumoured that cross shape was used to reflect the fact that Jamaica is a christian country.

© 2007 Jamaica Travel and Culture .com

stripe

email Share