In
1850 what was to become the definitive national symbol was hoisted
for the first time. Encapturing simplicity and perfect harmony, it
combines three colours, red, white and blue, to form the Cuban flag:
three blue stripes - the states in which the island was divided at
that time - two white stripes - the force of the idealistic independence
fighter - , a red triangle - representing equality, fraternity and
liberty, and at the same time, the blood which had to be spillt during
the battles for independence - and a white star, alone - as a symbol
of the absolute liberty between other nations - these are what characterise
its beautiful design
Coat
of Arms
Originally
designed by Miguel Teurbe Colón, in 1849, the National coat
of arms represents our island. It is shaped like a pointed leather
shield, and divided into three sections. In its horizontal upper part,
there is a golden key between two mountains, and a sun rising over
the sea - which symbolises the position of Cuba in the Gulf, between
the two Americas, amidst the emergence of a new state. The blue and
white strips, down the left hand side, represent the situation of
the island, in terms of its division into states, in the colonial
period. Down the right hand side, a Cuban country scene is dominated
by a royal palm tree - the symbol of the ubreakable character of the
Cuban people.
Anthem
The National Anthem was created in Bayamo, out of the fracas of
the battle for independence. Pedro Figueredo, having composed the
melody in 1867, wrote the words to this battle hymn, with the sentiments
of an independence fighter, when the insurgent troops took the city
in 1868
Pedro
Figueredo
"Al combate corred, bayameses
Que la Patria os contempla orgullosa
No temáis una muerte gloriosa
Que morir por la Patria, es vivir.
En
cadenas vivir es vivir
En afrenta y oprobio sumidos,
Del clarín escuchad el sonido
A las armas, valientes, corred".
Other
national symbols
The
National Flower
La Mariposa Blanca
(The White Butterfly), an endemic jasmine used by Cuban women during
the independece war to transmit messages among the rebel forces. It's
a symbol of purity, fight and independence. It grows in humid places,
like river shores and lagoons. It could also be cultivated in gardens
and back yards.
The
National Tree
La Palma Real (The Royal Palm). Although it's present all over the Caribbean,
it's everywhere at the Cuban country side. It's a source of wood and
materials for rural construction, the same for hats, oil and other elements
for the tabaco industry. Because of its erect figure, bearing any difficult
storm, it's the most respected, symbolizing the strong character of
the Cuban people.
..
The National Bird
El Tocororo (Priotelus
temnurus). An endemic bird similar to a Quetzal, reproduces in its
feathers the colors of the National Flag: red, blue and white. It's
a symbol of freedom, because inside a cage it dies
In
1850 what was to become the definitive national symbol was hoisted
for the first time. Encapturing simplicity and perfect harmony, it
combines three colours, red, white and blue, to form the Cuban flag:
three blue stripes - the states in which the island was divided at
that time - two white stripes - the force of the idealistic independence
fighter - , a red triangle - representing equality, fraternity and
liberty, and at the same time, the blood which had to be spillt during
the battles for independence - and a white star, alone - as a symbol
of the absolute liberty between other nations - these are what characterise
its beautiful design
Originally
designed by Miguel Teurbe Colón, in 1849, the National coat
of arms represents our island. It is shaped like a pointed leather
shield, and divided into three sections. In its horizontal upper part,
there is a golden key between two mountains, and a sun rising over
the sea - which symbolises the position of Cuba in the Gulf, between
the two Americas, amidst the emergence of a new state. The blue and
white strips, down the left hand side, represent the situation of
the island, in terms of its division into states, in the colonial
period. Down the right hand side, a Cuban country scene is dominated
by a royal palm tree - the symbol of the ubreakable character of the
Cuban people.
The
National Flower
The
National Tree
The National Bird