Like all countries, The Bahamas has its own Coat of Arms, flag and other symbols that reflect the roots, pride and composition of the country. The following is a brief description of the country's Coat of Arms, flag, national bird, national flower and national tree.
Coat of ArmsThe Bahamas was granted a new Coat of Arms on December 7, 1971, by the British government. Under certain specifications, the Coat of Arms was to(in heraldic terms): "Argent a representation of the Santa Maria on a base barry wavy of four Azure on a Chief Azure a demi sun Or And for the Crest upon a representation of Our Royal Helmet mantled Azure doubled Argent On a Wreath Or and Azure A Conch Shell proper in front of a Panache of Palm Fronds proper And for Supporters On the dexter a Marlin Proper on the sinister a Flamingo proper; And upon a Compartment Per pale Waves of the Sea and Swapland proper together with the motto: FORWARD, UPWARD, ONWARD, TOGETHER."
Flag
The Bahamian flag is comprised of a black equilateral triangle placed on a background of three equal horizontal rectangles of aquamarine, gold and aquamarine. The flag was designed to replace the Union Jack after the Bahamas received Independence in 1973.
The colors of the flag symbolize the following:
- Black - Vigor and force of a united people
- Gold - The bright sun that surrounds the country
- Aquamarine - The beautiful sea surrounding the country
The national bird is the flamingo. The Bahamas is home to one of the world's largest colony of flamingoes, in Inagua.
The blue marlin, one of the most prestigious game fishes in the Atlantic Ocean, is the national fish.
National FlowerThe yellow elder (Tecoma stans or Stenolobium stans) is the national flower. The yellow elder is a tubular-shaped yellow flower that consists of red stripes on each petal
National TreeThe lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum) is also know as the tree of life. This national tree is the heaviest of all woods in The Bahamas. The tree grows small blue flowers at the tips of its branches.