The Jamaica Flag
- a background.

The Jamaica Flag is very popular these days at national events, particularly sports.

I tell you, I don't believe any other nation take it the way we do now.

This new found favour and approval may have started with the 1998 football (soccer) world up qualifiers when professor Rene Simoes successfully drummed up support for the national team (The Reggae Boyz)
[We eventually qualified for the world cup and made history] More on Football in Jamaica Here

Back then, everywhere you go and almost every other person you meet owns a small portable flag! Of course the number of flags at the matches themselves was another story! [I am sure we may have broken some of the codes then-see below]

The Jamaica Flag - Here is probably what you never knew.

Design

A bipartisan committee of the Jamaica House of Representatives designed the Jamaican Flag which consists of a diagonal cross with four triangles placed side by side.

The diagonal cross is gold; the top and bottom triangles are green; and the hoist and fly (side) triangles are black.

Symbolism

"The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative" is the symbolism of the colours of the flag.

Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people; Gold, the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight; and green, hope and agricultural resources.

Code for use of the Jamaican Flag

1. The flag should never be smaller than any other flag flown at the same time.

2. 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.

3. When the flag becomes worn and must be replaced, burn it.

4. The flag shouldn’t be draped over vehicles, except on military, police and state occasions.

5. Do not place any other flag above or to the right of the Jamaican flag, except at foreign embassies, consulates and missions.

6. Do not raise any foreign flag publicly, unless the Jamaican flag is also flown, except at foreign embassies, consulates and missions.

Did you noticed the attitude and pride in the code of use for the flag?

Look back at items 1 and 5, for example.

So you see, it means a lot to us and we adore it yes- our very own 'Jamaica flag'.

...even more informative pages about Jamaica below:

• Jamaican Food
• National Heroes of Jamaica
• Articles about Jamaica
• Intriguing facts about Jamaica

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