Symbols of
Cuban
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The website www.nacion.cult.cu, dedicated to the national symbols

Flag

In 1850 what was to become the definitive national symbol was hoisted for the first time. Encapturing simplicity and perfect harmony, it combines three colours, red, white and blue, to form the Cuban flag: three blue stripes - the states in which the island was divided at that time - two white stripes - the force of the idealistic independence fighter - , a red triangle - representing equality, fraternity and liberty, and at the same time, the blood which had to be spillt during the battles for independence - and a white star, alone - as a symbol of the absolute liberty between other nations - these are what characterise its beautiful design.

Coat of Arms

The National coat of arms represents our island. It is shaped like a pointed leather shield, and divided into three sections. In its horizontal upper part, there is a golden key between two mountains, and a sun rising over the sea - which symbolises the position of Cuba in the Gulf, between the two Americas, amidst the emergence of a new state. The blue and white strips, down the left hand side, represent the situation of the island, in terms of its division into states, in the colonial period. Down the right hand side, a Cuban country scene is dominated by a royal palm tree - the symbol of the ubreakable character of the Cuban people.

Anthem 

"Al combate corred, bayameses
Que la Patria os contempla orgullosa
No temáis una muerte gloriosa
Que morir por la Patria, es vivir.

En cadenas vivir es vivir
En afrenta y oprobio sumidos,
Del clarín escuchad el sonido
A las armas, valientes, corred".

The National Anthem was created in Bayamo, out of the fracas of the battle for independence. Pedro Figueredo, having composed the melody in 1867, wrote the words to this battle hymn, with the sentiments of an independence fighter, when the insurgent troops took the city in 1868.

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Other national symbols

The National Tree: La Palma Real (The Royal Palm). Although it's present all over the Caribbean, it's everywhere at the Cuban country side. It's a source of wood and materials for rural construction, the same for hats, oil and other elements for the tabaco industry.  Because of its erect figure, bearing any difficult storm, it's the most respected, symbolizing the strong character of the Cuban people. 

The National Flower: La Mariposa Blanca (The White Butterfly), an endemic jasmine used by Cuban women during the independece war to transmit messages among the rebel forces. It's a symbol of purity, fight and independence. It grows in humid places, like river shores and lagoons. It could also be cultivated in gardens and back yards.

The National Bird: El Tocororo (Priotelus temnurus). An endemic bird similar to a Quetzal, reproduces in its feathers the colors of the National Flag: red, blue and white. It's a symbol of freedom, because inside a cage it dies.

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