Bahamas Flag History

By Barbara Michalson


The Bahamas was one of the few areas in the region in which the Arawak people were not displaced by the more warlike Caribs. When, in 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landing in the New World in The Bahamas, the people who met him were Arawaks who, he wrote, รข€˜have opened their hearts.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus made landfall in the New World on the island of San Salvador. Inspired by the surrounding shallow sea, he described them as islands of the "Baja mar" (shallow sea), which has become The Islands Of The Bahamas. When he arrived, there were about 40,000 Lucayans. Their peaceful nature made the Lucayans easy targets for enslavement, however, and within 25 years, all of the Lucayans were wiped out due to the diseases, hardships and slavery they endured.

The population soared in the late 18th century with the arrival from America of Loyalist families and their slaves after the American Revolution. In 1783-84 the population was 4,058; by 1789, it was more than 11,000, with the white settlers forming a significant minority.

In 1964, a constitution set up a pastoral arrangement of government, and the lawmaking body was improved to reflect majority interests. After the consequent general election in 1967, the United Bahamian Party was constrained into resistance in its history.

The hues in the configuration of the Bahamian banner symbolize the picture and yearnings of the general population of The Bahamas; the outline reflects parts of the indigenous habitat (the sun, sand, and ocean) and the monetary and social advancement. The banner is a dark equilateral triangle against the pole, superimposed on an even foundation made up of two hues on three equivalent stripes of sea green/blue, gold, and sea green/blue.

The symbolism of the flag is as follows: Black, a strong colour, represents the vigour and force of a united people, the triangle pointing towards the body of the flag represents the enterprise and determination of The Bahamian people to develop and possess the rich resources of sun and sea symbolized by gold and aquamarine respectively. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize for the future.




About the Author: