National Symbols of El Salvador
El Salvador has its own National Symbols that are representative of its culture and identity, as well as its land and its people.
The 3 main symbols are the Flag, the Coat of Arms, and the National Anthem of El Salvador.
As National Trees, they have 2 trees: the Maquilishuat and the Balsam. The national flower is the Flor de Izote.
The National Bird is the Torogoz, whose scientific name is Eumomota superciliosa; a species of coraciiform bird in the Momotidae family.
Additionally, the following are included as symbols: the national mammal, the Jaguar; the national fruit, the Nance; and the national dance, the Punta.
National Flag of El Salvador
The National Flag of El Salvador is one of the most recognizable and beloved symbols of the country. It consists of three horizontal stripes of equal size: the top stripe is cobalt blue, the middle one is white, and the bottom one is cobalt blue. In the center of the white stripe is the coat of arms of El Salvador. The colors of the flag have a deep symbolic meaning.
The blue represents the sky that covers the nation, as well as the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea that bathe its coasts. The white symbolizes the peace and purity of the Salvadoran people, while the coat of arms depicts the union of the five Central American nations in the Federation of Central America in the 19th century.
National Coat of Arms of El Salvador
The National Coat of Arms of El Salvador is another patriotic symbol that stands out for its rich symbolism. In the center of the coat of arms is a golden triangle, representing equality, freedom, and fraternity, the fundamental principles of the Republic. Inside the triangle, there are five volcanoes representing the five countries of the Federation of Central America, including El Salvador.
At the top of the coat of arms, there is a red Phrygian cap, a classical symbol of liberty, and at the bottom, a blue ribbon with the inscription «República de El Salvador en la América Central» (Republic of El Salvador in Central America). On both sides of the coat of arms, there are laurel and olive branches, symbols of victory and peace, respectively.
National Anthem of El Salvador
The National Anthem of El Salvador is a musical composition that exalts the love for the homeland and highlights the values of the Salvadoran people. It was written by poet Juan José Cañas and composed by musician Juan Aberle. The anthem consists of seven stanzas, although usually only the first and sixth are sung.
The lyrics of the anthem evoke the struggle and sacrifice of national heroes, emphasize the beauty of the Salvadoran land, and highlight the valor and courage of its citizens. The anthem serves as a constant reminder of national identity and the unity of Salvadorans.
National Bird of El Salvador
The Torogoz (Eumomota superciliosa) is a medium-sized bird native to Central America. It is a member of the motmot family, Momotidae.
It is a beautiful bird with a green and blue body, a long tail, and a bright blue stripe over the eye.
National Flower of El Salvador
The Flor de Izote (which comes from the Yucca gigantea tree) is the national flower of El Salvador. It is a white trumpet-shaped flower that grows on a tall stem.
The Izote flower is edible and very popular in El Salvador, often used in floral arrangements. Used in traditional medicine, it is said to have a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and pain.
National Trees of El Salvador
The National Trees of El Salvador: the Balsam and the Maquilishuat
One of the national trees of El Salvador is the Maquilishuat (pronounced ma-kee-lee-shoo-aht), whose scientific name is Tabebuia Rosea. The Maquilishuat is a tree with pink, yellow, and white flowers that bloom from December to February in El Salvador.
The other tree is the Balsam (Myroxylon pereirae), a tree that reaches a height of 35 meters, with rough and dark bark. It grows wild, especially in the mountains of the southern departments of Sonsonate and La Libertad, a region known as the Cordillera del Bálsamo.