Flag of Dominica

Flag of Dominica
Vexillological symbol :	?
Aspect ratio:	1: 2
Officially accepted:	Basic design: November 3, 1978, today's shape: 1988

The Dominica flag has existed in its current form since 1988.

Description and meaning

National flag in Roseau

The flag of Dominica has a forest green background on which three vertical and horizontal stripes in yellow, black and white form a cross . In the center is a red circle with a Sisserou parrot on a branch, surrounded by ten lime- green stars.

The central element shows the national bird of Dominica, the Sisserou parrot, which is also a symbol for flights to great heights and the realization of ambitions. Due to the coloring of the head and belly of the Sisserou parrot, the flag of Dominica is only one of two national flags that have the color purple (next to Nicaragua ). The parrot comes from the coat of arms of Dominica , which is also the official seal of the country.

The ten lime green stars, the traditional symbol of hope, represent the ten equal districts of the country, as well as the equality of the people. Sometimes the stars are also outlined in yellow. The central red circle symbolizes Dominica's commitment to social justice .

The yellow, black and white stripes form a three-colored cross, which stands for the Trinity of God. The cross itself demonstrates belief in God because Dominica was founded on the principle of recognizing God's superiority. In addition, yellow and white are also the colors of the Catholics.

The yellow stripe also represents the sunshine of the land and the agricultural products, citrus fruits and bananas , and is also a symbol of the Caribs and the Arawak , the indigenous people of the islands. The white stripe represents the clarity of the rivers and waterfalls and the purity of people's ambitions. The black stripe represents the islands' rich soil, which is the basis of agriculture, as well as the African heritage.

The dark green background symbolizes the lush green forest and the general lushness of the islands.

history

The flag was officially introduced in its basic design on November 3, 1978. Exactly three years later, on November 3, 1981, it was changed for the first time by swapping the white and black stripes and giving the stars a yellow border. In 1988 it was changed for the second time when the parrot's attitude was changed. The outline of the stars disappeared.

Previously, under British rule, colonial flags in the form of a Blue Ensign were in use.

• 

  ^? 1955-1965

• 

  ^? 1965-1978

• 

  ^? 1978-1981

• 

  ^? 1981-1988

• 

  ^? 1988-1990

Web links

Commons : Flags of Dominica  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

• Flags of the world - Dominica ( English )
• Photo of the Sisserou parrot