The National Anthem of Costa Rica

25 Nov

The National Anthem of Costa Rica

“Himno Nacional de Costa Rica” (Spanish language, Costa Rican National Anthem) is the national anthem of Costa Rica. It was originally adopted in 1853, with the music composed by Manuel María Gutiérrez. Words by José María Zeledón Brenes were added in 1900.

Lyrics

Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera
expresión de tu vida nos da;
bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo
blanca y pura descansa la paz.

En la lucha tenaz,
de fecunda labor
que enrojece del hombre la faz,
conquistaron tus hijos
labriegos sencillos
eterno prestigio, estima y honor.
Eterno prestigio, estima y honor.

¡Salve, o tierra gentil!
¡Salve, o madre de amor!
Cuando alguno pretenda
tu gloria manchar,
verás a tu pueblo valiente y viril,
la tosca herramienta en arma trocar.

Salve oh Patria tu pródigo suelo,
dulce abrigo y sustento nos da;
bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo
¡vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz!

English translation

Noble homeland, your beautiful flag
Proof of your life it gives us
Under the unsullied blue of your skies,
Peace rests, white and pure.

In the tenacious battle of fruitful toil,
That which brings a glow to men’s faces,
Your sons, simple farm hands,
Gained eternal renown, esteem and honor.
Eternal renown, esteem and honor.

Hail, gentle homeland!
Hail, mother of love!
When anyone should attempt to besmirch your glory,
You will see your people, valiant and virile,
The rustic tool into a weapon transform.

Hail, O homeland! Your prodigal soil
Sweet shelter and sustenance gives us.
Under the unsullied blue of your sky,
May peace and labor ever live!

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The Coat of Arms of Costa Rica

25 Nov

The Coat of Arms of Costa Rica

The Coat of Arms of Costa Rica

The official coat of arms of the Republic of Costa Rica was designed in 1848, with modifications in 1906, 1964, and most recently the 1998 addition of smoke to distinguish three volcanoes (“Se dibujaron los volcanes humeantes para diferenciarlos.”)

The Coat of Arms of Costa Rica depicts an essential simplification of the nation. The two ships on either side represent the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, both of which border Costa Rica. The ships also represent the maritime history of the country. The three mountains represent the three major mountain ranges of Costa Rica, and also stand to show the location of the country relative to the two bodies of sea. The current coat of arms has seven stars on it to stand for the seven provinces of Costa Rica. The above arms are older, and have five stars that represent the nations that had made up the United States of Central America in the early 19th century; the Costa Rican design is modified after the old Central American Federal coat of arms. The name of the nation is on a white banner at the top of the shield, above this is another blue scroll that says “Central America”.

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The Flag of Costa Rica

25 Nov

The Flag of Costa Rica

The Flag of Costa Rica

The flag of Costa Rica was officially adopted on November 27, 1906. However, the blue, white and red horizontal design was created and used since 1848 when Costa Rica left the Federal Republic of Central America and declare itself a Sovereign Republic. Pacífica Fernández, wife of the president, José María Castro Madriz created it inspired on the colors of the French Flag. The state and war flag and ensign includes the coat of arms of Costa Rica, while the civil ensign (there is no civil flag) omits the coat of arms and is shorter.

The blue color stands for the sky, opportunities, idealism and perseverance. The white color stands for peace, wisdom and happiness. The red color stands for the blood spilt by martyrs for independence, as well as the warmth and generosity of the people. The stripes are in the ratio 1:1:2:1:1.

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The National Anthem of Belize

24 Nov

The National Anthem of Belize

Land of the Free is the national anthem of Belize. The words were written by Samuel Alfred Haynes and the music by Selwyn Walford Young in 1963. It was officially adopted in 1981.

Lyrics

O, Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,
Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!
No tyrants here linger, despots must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy.
The blood of our sires, which hallows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery oppression’s rod,
By the might of truth and the grace of God,
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.
Chorus: (repeated after second verse as well)
Arise! ye sons of the Baymen’s clan,
Put on your armour, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee -
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!
Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
O’er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invader; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes tomorrow’s noon.

  1. To introduce Belize at international events such as soccer matches, international sporting tournaments, conferences etc.
  2. Locally, to introduce top national dignitaries such as the Governor General, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition etc.
  3. Most schools sing it at least once a week as part of school services; special church services, such as those on Independence Day, make use of the anthem.
  4. Introduces most radio and television stations sign-on routine.
  5. Generally, to identify Belize as an independent nation.

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The Coat of Arms of Belize

24 Nov

The Coat of Arms of Belize

The Coat of Arms of Belize

The Coat of Arms of Belize was adopted upon independence, and is only slightly different from the coat of arms used when Belize was a British colony.

The circular border of the coat is formed by twenty five leaves. Within this circle is a mahogany tree, in front of which is a shield. Within the shield are the tools of a woodcutter in the upper quadrants and a ship in the lower one. These are symbolic of the importance of mahogany and its usage in the construction of boats.

The shield is supported by two wood-cutters of different races. The one on the left is
holding an axe, while the one on the right is holding an oar. Again the importance of the mahogany and its importance to boat building are represented. At the bottom is the national motto on a scroll.

The coat of arms features predominantly on the national flag.

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The Flag of Belize

24 Nov

The Flag of Belize

The Flag of Belize

The national flag of Belize was adopted on September 21, 1981 upon independence from the United Kingdom. The flag is a continued version of the earlier flag of British Honduras (the name of Belize during the British colonial period). This flag was established in 1950 when British Honduras began winning its independence. The two red stripes at the top and bottom were added to the original design when they had gained independence. At the center of the flag is the Belizean coat of arms. The flag of Belize is unique in that it contains twelve colours, three more than on any other national flag.

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The Flag of Sint Maarten

23 Nov

The Flag of Sint Maarten

The Flag of Sint Maarten

The flag of Sint Maarten is the national flag of the Dutch part of Saint Martin island, which is a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was adopted 13 June 1985.

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