The national coat of arms was conceived in 1661, designed by Archbishop Canterbury.It was partially revised in 1957, but not too many changes were made on the original version. The coat of arms features two Arawack Indians, a man and a woman, standing on both sides with five golden pineapples overlapping the coat of arms itself. A Jamaican crocodile rests on top of the crest, wrapped in the royal robe. In the bottom edge of it, a ribbon reads: “out of many one people”.
Eternal Father, Bless our Land Guide us with thy mighty hand Keep us free from evil powers Be our light through countless hours To our leaders, great defender Grant true wisdom from above Justice, truth be ours forever Jamaica, land we love Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love Teach us true respect for all Stir response to duty's call Strengthen us the weak to cherish Give us vision lest we perish Knowledge send us Heavenly Father Grant true wisdom from above Justice, truth be ours forever Jamaica, land we love Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love Lyrics: Reverend Hugh Braham SherlockMusic: Robert Charles LightbourneAdopted in 1952
The national fruit is Ackee. Ackee hails from Ghana (Africa) and was introduced by slaves aboard the ships. It contains poisonous gases inside when the husk is closed. These gases blow away when the husk is open. Ackee broiled with codfish makes a delicious dish.
Calypso is the national dance, very typical in some of the Caribbean Basin’s countries like Santa Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago.
There are over 3,000 species among trees, plants, ferns and flowers. 827 of them are unique species worldwide, and Blue Mahoe is the national tree..
Due to the great variety of trees and plants, there are 256 registered bird species. Streamertail, a.k.a. "Dr. Bird" is considered the national bird. It can fly forward and backward with its long tail.
