National symbols of Trinidad and Tobago

The national symbols of Trinidad and Tobago are the symbols that are used in Trinidad and Tobago and abroad to represent the country and its people. Prominently, the coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago is a Trinbagonian symbol, and is depicted on all its money.

Present symbols

SymbolImageadditional information
National Anthem Forged from the Love of Liberty,

In the fires of Hope and Prayer, With boundless Faith in Our Destiny, We solemnly declare, Side by side we stand Islands of the blue Caribbean Sea, This Our Native Land, We pledge our lives to Thee, Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God - Bless Our Nation, Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God - Bless Our Nation.

 The National Anthem was written to celebrate Trinidad and Tobago's independence from Great Britain on August 31, 1962. A nationwide contest was held and the winner of the contest was Patrick Stanisclaus Castagne.[1][2]
National Pledge I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life to the service of God and to my country.

I will honour my parents, My teachers, my leaders and my elders, and those in authority I will be clean and honest in all my thoughts, my words and my deeds. I will strive, in everything I do to work together with my fellowmen Of every creed and race, for the greater happiness of all and the honour and glory of my country.

 The Independence Pledge, written by Marjorie Padmore, was composed for school children and is usually recited at the opening and closing of school terms and on special occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day.[3][4]
National Flag []
 The Black represents for us the dedication of the people joined together by one strong bond. It is the colour of strength, of unity of purpose, and of the wealth of the land. Red is the colour most expressive of our country; it represents the vitality of the land and its peoples; it is the warmth and energy of the sun, the courage and friendliness of the people. White is the sea by which these lands are bound; the cradle of our heritage; the purity of our aspirations and the equality of men and women under the sun. Thus, the colours chosen represent the elements of the Earth, Water and Fire which encompass all our past, present and future; and inspire us as one united, vital, free and dedicated people.The National Flag was designed by Trinidadian artist Carlisle Chang.[5][6]
National Flower []
 The Chaconia, also known as the "Pride of Trinidad and Tobago" or "Wild Poinsettia" is an indigenous flower known by its long sprays of magnificent vermillion. Coincidentally, this flower blooms on every anniversary of our Independence Day (August 31, 1962).[7][8]
National Coat of Arms []
 The Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago was designed by a committee formed in 1962 to select the symbols that would be representative of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. The committee included noted artist Carlisle Chang and the late designer George Bailey. The shield has the same colours (black, red, and white) of the nation's flag and carry the same meaning. The gold ships represent the Santa Maria, Nina, and Pinta: the three ships Christopher Columbus used on his journey to the "New World." The two birds on the shield are hummingbirds. Trinidad is sometimes referred to as the "Land of the Hummingbird" because more than sixteen different species of hummingbird have been recorded on the island. The two larger birds are the Scarlet Ibis (left) and the Cocrico (right), the national birds of Trinidad and Tobago. Below these birds is our nation's motto, "Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve."[9][10]
National Birds The Scarlet Ibis and the Cocrico
The Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber), locally known as "flamingo," makes its home in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary in the Caroni Swamp—an area set aside by the government for the protection of these colourful birds. The Caroni Swamp includes fifteen thousand acres of marshland, tidal lagoons, and mangrove trees. Several thousand Scarlet Ibises nest and roost in the sanctuary and are often seen in large numbers during the last two hours of daylight. Larger numbers of Scarlet Ibises can be seen during the breeding season, from April to August. These birds feed mainly on crabs which they seek out on the mud flats exposed at low tide and on the stilt roots of the red mangrove. Boat tours of the Caroni Swamp are available throughout the year.

The Cocrico (Ortalis ruficauda), also known as the "Chachalaca," is a rufous-tailed, tropical pheasant indigenous to Tobago. They tend to inhabit the higher areas of the island amidst the forest and sometimes the dry scrubby lands bordering cultivated areas. Cocricos are known for sounding a loud, grating chorus at dawn and dusk. The sound is a raucous cocricó repeated several times, hence the name of the bird. The Scarlet Ibis and the Cocrico are only two of over 400 species of birds recorded in Trinidad and Tobago.[11][12]

National Instrument [The steeldrum (pan) is the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago developed in the late 1930s. The pan is the only original non-electronic musical instrument invented in the twentieth century.]
 Prior to the invention of pan, lengths of bamboo were used during street parades to beat out rhythms and these bands were known as 'Tamboo Bamboo Bands'. In the quest of a cleaner sound, old biscuit tins and caustic soda pans were first used to replace the bamboo. Spree Simon and Ellie Manette are considered the pan pioneers in developing this steeldrum to what it is today.[13][14]
National Motto "Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve."
 The national motto was established by the late first Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams, when Trinidad and Tobago achieved independence in 1962.[15][16]
National WatchWords Discipline, Production, Tolerance.
 The national Watchwords was established by the late first Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams, when Trinidad and Tobago achieved independence in 1962.[17][18]

Former List of symbols

SymbolImageStarted-ended
Royal anthem
"God Save the Queen"		 31 August 1962 – 1 August 1976 (song dates to 1744)
Royal cypher 31 August 1962 – 1 August 1976 (dates to 1952)
Royal standard
Queen's Personal Trinidadian Flag		 1966-1 August 1976

References

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