If you’ve ever wondered the meaning behind the Belizean flag, or the meaning for “sub umbra floreo”, then you came to the right place. Read more on the Belize National Symbols on this article, starting with the flag:
The red, white and blue flag of Belize is a symbol unity. Before independence, citizens submitted designs for a National Flag that could join the country regardless of their political viewpoints. The current design was selected by the National Symbols Committee.
Coat of Arms
The shield at the center of this symbol is divided into three sections. The bottom section depicts a ship in full sail, the upper sections show tools of the logging industry in Belize, as well as a paddle and an axe. Two woodcutters support the shield while holding a paddle and an axe, these woodcutters are under the shade of the mahogany tree. A wreath of leaves encircles the symbol, below the shield is the motto “Sub Umbra Floreo” . These words, in Latin, mean “Unter the shade I flourish.” The Coat of Arms embodies an important aspect of the history of Belize, the mahogany tree formed the basis of Belize’s economy in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Belize National Symbols — The National Flower
The Black Orchid (Encyclia Cochleatum) is the National Flower of Belize. This beautiful flower grows on trees in damp areas, you can find this exotic specimen while exploring the Belizean jungles, all year round.
National Tree
The Mahogany Tree (Swietenia Macrophilla) rises tall over many other trees with a crown of shining, large, green leaves. The tree can be seen from great distances. It is one of the magnificent giants of the forest.The mahogany tree matures in 60 to 80 years. Beginning in the middle of the 17th century, British settlers exploited the forest for mahogany. It was originally exported to the United Kingdom in the form of squared logs, but shipment now consists mainly of sawed lumber.
National Bird
(Ramphastos Solfurantus) The Keel Billed Toucan, is the National Bird of Belize. Brightly colored ith amazing red, black, and yellow colors on its feathers, this bird uses its great canoe-shaped bill with serrated edges to cut and eat fruit. The toucan emits a loud sound that might be confused for a frog’s croak, keel billed toucans can reach 20 inches in overall length. These birds nest in the jungle, in treeholes made by woodpeckers. Their nesting stage lasts six to seven weeks. They lay two to four eggs which are incubated by both parents.
National Animal
The Tapir (Tapirello Bairdii) is the largest land mammal of the American tropics, due to this fact, it is also known as the “Mountain Cow”, and is a part of the Belize National Symbols. The tapir spends much of its time on water and rivers, which makes it a strong swimmer. Protected under Belizean law, the tapir is closely related to the horse and rhinoceros. A vegetarian, this mammal can weigh up to 600 pounds.
