National symbols of Nicaragua

The national flag of Nicaragua

National symbols of Nicaragua are the symbols that are used in Nicaragua and abroad to represent the country and its people.

National Symbols

Flag

The Flag of Nicaragua was adopted in 1971 and is based on the former flag of the United States of Central America. The colors of the Nicaraguan flag originate from the flag of the former federation of the United Provinces of Central America. The two blue stripes represented the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea; while white symbolizes peace. A modern interpretation indicates that the color blue symbolizes justice and loyalty; while the color white represents virtue and purity.

Coat of arms

National coat of arms

The Nicaraguan Coat of Arms has undergone many changes since its adoption in 1823, the last and current version was introduced in 1971. The triangle signifies equality, the rainbow signifies liberty and the five volcanoes express the union and brotherhood of all five Central American countries.^[1]

Anthem

The national anthem, Salve a ti, Nicaragua, was approved October 20, 1939, and officially adopted August 25, 1971. The lyrics were written by Salomon Ibarra Mayorga. The Nicaraguan national anthem is the shortest in the Americas and is the only one that does not proclaim war. It was sung for the first time on December 16, 1918.^[2]

Flower

Sacuanjoche

The national flower is known as the Sacuanjoche. The Sacuanjoche flower (Plumeria rubra) grows on a conical type of tree that flowers around May. Sacuanjoche flowers are most fragrant at night in order to lure sphinx moths to pollinate them. The flowers have no nectar, and simply dupe their pollinators.

The Sacuanjoche flower appears on the 1, 5, 10, and 25 cent banknotes.^[3]

Tree

The national tree is the Madroño (Calycophyllum candidissimum) .

Bird

The national bird is the Guardabarranco. It has a mostly green body with a rufous back and belly. There is a bright blue stripe above the eye and a blue-bordered black patch on the throat. The flight feathers and upperside of the tail are blue. The tips of the tail feathers are shaped like rackets and the bare feather shafts are longer than in other motmots

Guardabarrancos can be seen in forests throughout Nicaragua, mostly in the southwest of the country. Their habitat is not limited by city boundaries, as this bird can even be seen in Nicaragua's capital city, Managua.^[3]

References

1. ^ http://www.nicaragua.gob.ni/nicaragua/nacionalidad/simbolos.asp
2. ^ Academia de Geografia e Historia - Bienvenidos
3. ^ ^{a b} Nicaragua - National Symbols

External links

• LaVozDelSandinismo.com Simbolos Patrios de Nicaragua (Spanish)