Dominica celebrates Flag Day
It was Flag Day in Dominica yesterday.
This week is recognised as National Emblems Week in Dominica and first on display is the country’s proudest national emblem, the National Flag.
The National Flag was first flown in Dominica when the island attained its independence on November 3, 1978. Although it has undergone slight variations over the years, the flag was created by playwright, Alwin Bully. The design as known today was last altered in 1981.
The flag’s central emblem is an image of the National Bird of Dominica, the Sisserou Parrot. It sits on a twig against a circular red backdrop and is surrounded by ten lime-green stars.
This image is superimposed on three vertical and horizontal stripes of yellow, black and white stripes forming a cross. The overall background of the flag is forest green.
Here is a look at what each of these symbols represents on the National Flag of Dominica.
The Sisserou Parrot - The Sisserou Parrot, endemic to Dominica, is the National Bird of the country. It is also a symbol of flight towards greater heights and fulfillment of aspirations.
The ten lime green stars: They are each outlined with yellow which is a symbol of hope. The ten stars represent the ten parishes of Dominica each with equal status thus the equality of the nation’s people.
The red circle represents Dominica’s commitment to social justice.
The triple-coloured cross represents the Trinity of God. It demonstrates the belief of the people in God.
Yellow Stripe represents the sunshine of the land and its agricultural produce (citrus and bananas). It also symbolises the indigenous people, the Kalinagos and Arawaks.
The white stripe represents the clarity of the island’s rivers and waterfalls and the purity of aspirations of the people.
The black stripe represents the rich black soil of the land and its African heritage.
Forest Green represents the verdant forests and lushness of the island.
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