BAHAMIAN FLAG: The unique design of black, aquamarine, and gold was first unfurled in April 1973, just 3 months prior to the nation’s Independence. It was the result of a compilation of ideas from a large and varied creative pool made up entirely of Bahamians. Each colour represents something Bahamian: black for the strength and unity of Bahamians - shaped in a forward-pointing triangle to represent their determination - and aquamarine and gold for the islands’ rich tropical resources of the sea, land, and sun.

COAT OF ARMS: Adopted in late 1971, this Bahamian coat of arms replaced the original design assigned by Britain as far back as 1728. The preliminary design for the new coat of arms was the brainchild of Hervis Bain, a civil servant and recognized Bahamian artist. With a few alterations to the 18th century design, the coat of arms now represents something truly Bahamian. The conch shell, blue wavy lines, green palms, and the sun symbolize marine life, the sea, natural vegetation, and the bright tropical sun of the islands. The ship represents Christopher Columbus’ “Santa Maria”, one of the three vessels which brought Columbus to his 1492 discovery of the new world (believed to have occurred in The Bahamas). The Bahamian national bird and fish - the pink flamingo and the blue marlin - support the shield, and the nation’s motto - “Forward Upward Onward Together” graces the lower section.

LIGNUM VITAE: Translated literally, the name of the Bahamian national tree means “tree of life”. Indigenous to the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and the northern part of South America, this hardwood was originally recognized for its industrial uses and was largely exported from The Bahamas. It continues to be used as Bahamian “bush medicine” since it is believed that the tonic produced by steeping the bark will provide energy and act as an aphrodisiac. Clusters of small blue flowers bloom at the tip of the branches. The Lignum Vitae is most commonly found throughout the Out Islands, namely in Crooked Island and Exuma. Interestingly, it is scarcely found on New Providence, home to the nation’s capital of Nassau.

BLUE MARLIN: Majestic in motion and a strength-testing challenge to catch, the Blue Marlin has earned its place in Bahamian history as the national fish – present on both the coat of arms and the Bahamian one hundred dollar bill. It is sought after by the best of anglers during The Bahamas’ famous billfish tournaments, all of whom aim to surpass the Bahamian record catch of a 1060.5 pounder which has stood since 1979. Since the Blue Marlin is caught for sportfishing rather than commercial purposes, it is not protected by law. It is found throughout the Bahama islands, most abundantly in the northwest regions.

YELLOW ELDER: The Yellow Elder (also known as Christmas Hope throughout the Caribbean) rose to its status as national symbol when it won the popular vote of all four of New Providence’s esteemed garden clubs. It blooms for several weeks at the end of the year on a tree that grows extensively throughout the islands. The tree requires little maintenance, often growing under adverse conditions. The Yellow Elder is also believed to have medicinal uses.

PINK FLAMINGO: The national bird of The Bahamas, the West Indian (Pink) Flamingo, has been protected by law since the 1950’s. During the following decade the Bahamas National Trust created a national preserve on the southern island of Inagua, now home to the world’s largest colony of pink flamingos numbering in the tens of thousands. The pink hue of its feathers is a result of the bird’s diet. Nassau’s Ardastra Gardens and Zoo, home to the famous marching flamingos, recently made history when baby flamingos were successfully hatched in captivity. The flamingo is found on the coat of arms as well as the Bahamian dollar bill.