Today marks the 48th Anniversary of Jamaican Independence from Great Britain which was declared in 1962. The name "Jamaica" derives from Xaymaca ("Land of Wood & Water") in the indigenous Arawakan language spoken by the Taino people who inhabited the island. The Jamaican flag, adopted on August 6, 1962 after gaining independence from the Federation of the West Indies, is symbolized by the motto: 'Hardships there are but the land is green and the sun shineth'. The black triangles represent the adversity Jamaica has overcome and for hardships it may have in the future. The green triangles represent hope and agriculture and the golden saltire (diagonal cross) stands for the mineral wealth of Jamaica and sunlight.
Jamaica has gained a strong global presence through music. Calypso, Mento, Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae and Dub all helped to birth to Dancehall and Ragga. Reggae and Ska were the key elements in the development of Punk Rock, while Dancehall, Ragga and Dub are the elements that helped birth Hip-Hop in the U.S. and both Jungle (or Drum & Bass/DnB) and Dubstep in the UK.
Below is the Jamaican National Anthem sung by singer-songwriter and producer Richie Stephens (pictured).
Nice Blog. I used this flag to create my project.
ReplyDeleteGood info, well put toghether. Simple and sweet, just how I like it.
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