What Do the Colors of Jamica Symbolize?

In 1962, Jamaica gained independence from England. It has since been increasingly proud of its diversity in heritage. Its flag has three colors that mean different things.

The Flag

The Jamaican flag has two gold stripes crossing each other in the middle, forming an "X." On the top and bottom, the triangles are bright green. On the sides, the triangles are black. The flag's theme is "Hardships there are, but the land is green, and the sun shineth," according to the Visit Jamaica Website.

The Stripes

The two gold stripes represent the shining Jamaican sun and the country's hopes for the future.

The Green Triangles

Green signifies Jamaica's wealth of agricultural resources--such as bauxite, sugar and coffee.

The Black Triangles

Strength and creativity is conveyed with the color black on the Jamaican flag. Jamaicans are considered strong after their suffering as slaves at the hands of the British in the 1940's and their break from Britain in 1962.

Rastafarians

Many people associate the colors red, green and gold with Jamaica. They are surprised to find out that only two of those colors appear in the Jamaican flag. Red, green and gold actually are the colors of the Ethiopian flag.

Resources

• Visit Jamaica