Whether you’re studying the countries of the world, visiting EPCOT, or simply watching the Olympics, you might find it difficult to identify all the flags represented! If you’re wondering, “What flag is green with a yellow cross?” We have the answer for you!
The country flag of Jamaica most closely fits the description of a green flag with a single yellow cross. The flag was raised in 1962 to declare the country’s independence from Britain. It represents the fertility of the land, the creativity of its people, and the sunshine Jamaica has become renowned for.
In this article, we will go over the history of the Jamaican flag, its description, and what it means to the Jamaican people. By the end of this article, we hope you’ll always remember what flag is green with a yellow cross!
What Flag is Green With a Yellow Cross?
As previously stated, the flag that is green with a yellow cross is the country of Jamaica’s national flag. It can be described as black, green, and yellow, although the official color of the cross or saltire that sections the green and black portions off is technically “gold.”
When the flag flies, the top and bottom most triangles are large and green. The left and right, or “fly and hoist” triangles are black. This is known as the “Admiralty Pattern.”
The Jamaican flag’s coloration and symbols may bear some resemblance to the unofficial flag of Oland in Sweden, or even Dominica, but it is distinct and stands on its own as the flag to most accurately fit the description of “green with a yellow cross.”
History of the Jamaican Flag
According to the Jamaica Information Service website, Jamaica did not initially have a flag of its own. This is because it was once a province under the rule of the British Empire, which is, today, the United Kingdom. For 300 years, Jamaica did not have its own political independence from the country across the sea.
However, on August 5, 1962, Jamaica raised its first flag of independence as its own nation.
The flag itself underwent a harrowing creative process before the final design was settled on. The country hosted a flag designing competition the year before, but none of the models offered were selected.
Instead, an entire bipartisan committee in the House of Representatives of Jamaica banded together to design the flag themselves. With a flag that represented everything the new country identified itself by, they were ready to enjoy their first Independence day Celebrations!
What do the Colors of the Jamaican Flag Symbolize?
The Jamaican Flag is symbolized using plain colors the following way:
- Black – The color black is meant to symbolize how strong the country is, much the same way that animals in the wild with darker coloration have always been seen as stronger by their fellow creatures. It also symbolizes creativity.
- Green – Where there is greenery, there is life! In keeping with this, the color green in the Jamaican Flag represents not only life, but the hope that their agricultural resources bring.
- Gold – Rather than saying plain yellow, Jamaica characterizes the cross on their flag as gold. It is meant to call attention to Jamaica’s natural beauty thanks to wholesome, generous sunlight. It can also symbolize the country’s wealth.
How to Use the Jamaican Flag
The Jamaican Flag, like most countries’ national symbols, must be treated with respect. This respect is laid out in the code of conduct for using the flag, some of which can be seen in the list below:
- The flag must not be allowed to touch the floor or the ground.
- The flag is meant to be treated with devotion and reverence by all citizens as a sacred emblem of the country herself.
- The Flag is never meant to be used only as decoration for things that are eventually meant to be discarded unless a State occasion mandates it.
- The flag should be as large or larger than any other flag being flown at the same time.
- The flag should never feature any mark, word, letter, symbol, drawing, figure, or insignia on it.
- If the flag is faded, damaged, worn, or torn in any way that leaves it less than suitable for display purposes, it should be burned privately as a dignified measure of respect.
- All other flags are prohibited from being placed to the right, or higher than, the Jamaican Flag. The only exceptions to this rule are at Consulates, Foreign Embassies, and Missions.
- The Flag is not allowed to be draped on any kind of vehicle unless it is a State, Military, or Police occasion.
- The Flag should be flown around all Polling Stations on days of election.
- The Flag can’t be used as a type of embellishment on objects, and it should not be used as adornments or decorative patches for clothing or headgear.
- When the flag is flown at half-mast, it should always be raised to its highest peak first, then lowered in a slower manner to its half-mast position. Before lowering it, it must again spend a moment raised to the peak.
- When the Office of the Prime Minister determines a time period as set aside for mourning, the Flag must be flown at half-mast to signify this. The official position of “half-mast” is the width of the short side of the flag under the peak of the flagpole itself, not technically the exact halfway point of the pole.
- When the Flag is being hoisted or lowered in ceremony, or when it is passing in a parade or on display, it should be respected by the people witnessing it. Everyone should face the Flag, those in uniform are required to salute, and men must take off any hats or headgear.
In Conclusion
To sum up everything we’ve learned, the flag that is green with a yellow cross is actually the Jamaican flag. It is black and green, divided by a yellow cross or X which is actually described as gold. This flag represents the identity of the Jamaican country since its declaration of independence from Great Britain.
The symbolism of the green color is the country’s rich vegetation and hope, while the yellow or gold is meant to point to Jamaica’s riches and sunshine. Black, meanwhile, represents the people themselves and their creativity and strength.
