National Symbols of Nicaragua
Nicaragua like all the nations of Central America has its own national symbols that represent its identity and patriotic values.
The national symbols of Nicaragua are:
- The National Flag of Nicaragua
- The Coat of Arms of Nicaragua
- The National Anthem of Nicaragua
- The Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa)
- The Madroño Tree (Calycophyllum candidissimum)
- The Sacuanjoche Flower (Plumeria Rubra)
National Flag of Nicaragua
The Nicaraguan flag consists of three horizontal stripes of equal size. The top stripe is blue, symbolizing the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea that bathe the country’s coasts. The middle stripe is white, representing purity, integrity, and peace.
The bottom stripe is yellow and symbolizes the wealth and natural resources of Nicaragua. In the center of the white stripe is the coat of arms of Nicaragua.
Coat of Arms of Nicaragua
The coat of arms is located in the center of the white stripe of the flag and contains various symbolic elements. In the coat of arms, there is an equilateral blue triangle representing equality, justice, and fraternity. Within the triangle, there are five volcanoes, symbolizing Nicaragua’s main volcanoes: Momotombo, Momotombito, Masaya, Concepción, and Maderas.
Above the triangle, there is a red Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom. On the sides of the coat of arms, there is a golden key representing the opening of the Americas, and an ear of wheat symbolizing agriculture and prosperity.
National Anthem of Nicaragua
The National Anthem of Nicaragua, titled «Hail to Thee,» is a musical composition that exalts the history, natural beauty, and patriotism of the country. It was written by Salomón Ibarra Mayorga and composed by Luis Abraham Delgadillo. The anthem highlights values such as freedom, peace, and the unity of the Nicaraguan people.
- Hail to thee, Nicaragua, on thy soil
- no foreign footsteps tread,
- nor does slavery’s vile flag wave
- o’er thy buildings sacred shade.
- Chorus:
- For thee a hymn of praise we sing,
- for thee our lives we’d give;
- Thine is a soul that hesitates
- not, but leaps liberty to achieve.
- not, but leaps liberty to achieve.
Turquoise-browed Motmot
The Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa) is a colorful and emblematic bird of Nicaragua, known for its beauty and natural richness.
The Turquoise-browed Motmot exhibits a thin pale blue stripe over its eye, creating a mask-like effect, while its throat shows a distinctive vertical black mark bordered by a blue tone. In addition, its flight feathers and the upper part of its tail also have a striking blue color.
It was declared the National Bird of Nicaragua through Legislative Decree No. 1891 on September 27, 1971, with legislative ratification in June 2012.
Madroño Tree
The Madroño Tree (Calycophyllum Candidissimum) has been the National Tree of Nicaragua since August 27, 1971, according to Legislative Decree No. 1891; according to a presidential agreement published in the Official Gazette of Nicaragua, La Gaceta.
The Madroño Tree is an evergreen tree that can reach a height of up to 30 meters. It is characterized by its straight trunk and grayish bark, which peels off in thin plates. Its leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, and dark green on the upper side, and lighter on the underside. Its flowers are attractive and fragrant.
Sacuanjoche Flower
The Sacuanjoche Flower (Plumeria rubra) or May Flower was declared the National Flower of Nicaragua on August 27, 1971, in Decree No. 1890, published in the Official Gazette, Diario Oficial, No. 194.
The flowers of the Sacuanjoche Flower (Plumeria rubra) are large and showy, with petals ranging in color from white, yellow, and pink to deep red. They have a characteristic shape with pointed petals and are arranged in terminal clusters. In addition to their visual beauty, the flowers emit a sweet and intoxicating fragrance, making them a popular choice for perfumes and floral decorations.
In Nicaragua, the Sacuanjoche is the national flower and is associated with purity, elegance, and beauty. It is used in ceremonies, celebrations, and special events, and its image can be found in crafts and artistic representations.