The Jamaican flag was officially adopted on August 6, 1962, coinciding with Jamaica's Independence Day.
Design and Symbolism:
The flag features a diagonal cross or saltire, forming four triangles. The cross is gold and occupies one-sixth of the flag's length. The top and bottom triangles are green, while the hoist and fly triangles are black.
The specific shade of green used is Emerald T8 17, British Admiralty Bunting Pattern.
The flag follows the "Admiralty Pattern" with a proportion of 2:1.
Symbolism of Colors:
- Black: Represents the strength and creativity of the people.
- Gold: Symbolizes the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight.
- Green: Stands for hope and agricultural resources.
The motto associated with the flag is: “The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative.”
Respect and Usage:
- 1. The flag is a sacred emblem of the nation and should be treated with reverence and devotion by all citizens.
- 2. The flag should never touch the ground or floor.
- 3. It should not be used for purely decorative purposes on items meant for temporary use, except on state occasions.
- 4. When the flag becomes worn and needs replacement, it should be burned and not repurposed.
- 5. No foreign flag should be flown publicly in Jamaica unless the Jamaican flag is also flown, except at foreign embassies, consulates, and missions.
- 6. The Jamaican flag should not be smaller than any other flag flown at the same time.
- 7. No other flag should be placed above or to the right of the Jamaican flag, as international usage forbids displaying one nation's flag above another's during peacetime.
- 8. When carried in procession with other flags, the Jamaican flag should be on the marching right or at the front center if in a line.
- 9. The flag should not be draped over vehicles, except on military, police, and state occasions.
- 10. It should be flown in or near every polling station on election day.
- 12. The flag should be flown at half-mast during periods of official mourning declared by the Prime Minister's office. When flown at half-mast, the flag should be hoisted to the peak momentarily before being lowered. It should be raised to the peak again before being taken down.
- 13. During the hoisting or lowering ceremony, or when the flag passes in a parade or review, all present should face the flag and stand at attention. Men should remove their hats, and persons in uniform should salute.
