 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 back in 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 Zoo Conservation Centre, 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.
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