Bahamas Flag - some interesting facts

Like any independent country, the flag is a representation of the nations own characteristic, history and ideals. Following its history, the Ciboney, Arawak, and the Carib Indians were the fist to inhabit the islands of the Bahamas. When Christopher Columbus first landed in the island in 1942, the Caribs and the Arawaks were progressively wiped out by the outcome of the Spanish conquest. The British settled on the islands in the 17ht century and was made a British colony in 1783. The Bahamas became independent in 1973.

The Bahamas Flag was officially hoisted on July 10, 1973, the date of the nations independence from the United Kingdom. The Bahamas flag was a result of a local contest for a new national flag, no single entry was chosen though but instead several entries were combined to create the new flag.

The Bahamas Flag overall colors are aquamarine blue, gold, and black. Much symbolism is associated with colors according to ancient and heraldic traditions. The Bahamas flag gold color represents the sands of the nation, blue representing the waters that surround the Bahamas, and the black triangle stands for unity. From the left half of the flag (viewers left side) is called the Hoist that pictures a black equilateral triangle that comes in from the left edge of the flag. The flags facial appearance is of three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine blue (top), gold (center), and aquamarine blue (bottom).

The Bahamas Flag etiquette is very firm and is necessary that Flag protocols and rules are followed correctly. Basic Flag etiquette applies to all nations which include the Bahamas as follows: National Flag of Bahamas, State Flag of Bahamas, Military Flag of Bahamas (in order of creation date), and other Flag of Bahamas. When presenting a national flag including the Bahamas Flag, the United Nations uses alphabetical order. Their flag etiquette makes certain that no one countrys flag has superiority over another countrys flag.

The National flag of the Bahamas should never be flown above any other national flag as this would advocate superiority or conversely inferiority of one flag or nation over another. The Bahamas flag should also never be allowed to drag along the ground or should be removed and replaced when it has faded or tattered. Suitable concern and consideration must always be taken to ensure that the Bahamas flag flown the correct way up. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. A Bahamas flag that is no longer fit for display should be disposed of in a dignified way such as burning in private with all due care and respect. The Bahamas flag is hoisted to a half of the potential height of the pole to signify grief and mourning. Flying the flag upside-down indicates distress.


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