Our National Symbols
Just as every independent and self-respecting nation does, the Republic of Panama
has its own set of national symbols which are respected by all Panamanians and obviously
also a source of pride. We hope that the information we provide is complete enough,
specially for you kids out there doing your school projects.
The Flag
This is the national flag of the Republic of Panama. It is divided in four
quarters: the lower left quarter near the mast pole is blue and represents the
Conservative party. The top right quarter is red representing the Liberal
party. These were the two traditional political parties at the time of the
formation of the Republic of Panama.
The other two quarters are white representing the peace and harmony between the
two aforementioned political parties. Each of these two white quarters bears a
star in the middle. The blue star represents the purity and honesty that would
characterize the civil life of the republic; the red star representing the
authority and law that would impose these virtues.
The Panamanian flag was designed on october 29th, 1903 by Mr. Manuel E. Amador
and made by his wife Mrs. Maria Ossa de Amador on November 4th (Day of the
Panamanian flag). It was solemnly baptized and hoisted for the first time on
december 20th of the same year. By law 64 of 1904 the flag was provisionally
adopted, and later adopted definitely by law 4 of 1925. This was formalized by
law 28 of march 28th of 1941.
Coat of Arms
The Coat Of Arms were adopted provisionally and then definitely by the same
laws that adopted the panamanian flag.
The middle/center section contains the Isthm of Panama. The chief or top part
of the coat of arms comprises two quarters. The top left over a field of silver
a sword and a rifle.
The lower left quarter bears a cornucopia representing wealth, and the lower
right quarter has a winged wheel representing progress.
The eagle bears on his beak a banner with the phrase "Pro Mundi Beneficio" (For
the benefit of the world) and over his head the nine golden stars representing
the nine provinces that comprise the republic.
On the sides of the oval there are two sets of flags. The national coat of arms
was designed by Don Nicanor Villalaz.
The lyrics of the national anthem were written by Don Jeronimo de la Ossa and
the music composed by Don Santos Jorge A. It was aproved by law 30 of 1906 and
adopted by law 28 of 1941.
The formal adoption and regulation of the use of the national flag, anthem and
coat of arms were reglamented by law 34 of 1949. As a curious note, the lower
part of the Colombian coat of arms still depicts the isthmus of Panama, at the
time Panama was part of Colombia.
The current coat of arms is slightly different than the original one. For example
the Andean eagle was replaced by the Harpy eagle, the legend on the emblem changed
from "Paz, Libertad, Union, Progreso" to "Pro Mundi Beneficio", the Railroad was
replaced by the winged wheel. The original only had 7 stars because back then there
were only 7 provinces. Herrera was part of Los Santos and Cocle and Chiriqui was
part of Veragua (without a trailing S).
National Bird
The national bird of Panama is the Aguila Arpía
(Harpy Eagle).
The Harpia harpyja is a very rare animal with an unknown
population. This incredible bird weights from 5-8 Kg. (male) and 7-9 Kg.
(female) and a wingspan of 7 feet (around 2.16 metres).
The Harpy Eagle's habitat is the tropical lowland forests and is geographically
restricted from southern Mexico, through central and south america down to the
northern part of Argentina.
Two eggs are usually laid but only one chick hatches after 53-56 days of
incubation. This species has one of the longest rearing periods of any raptor;
about 2-3 years can pass between the birth of the chick and the next nesting
attempt.
In the wild the diet of the Harpy Eagle consists of small tree dwelling animals
such as monkeys, oppossums and sloths.
Its head is pale grey and crowned with a double crest. The back of the animal
is black and its underside is white with a black stripe or band going up the
chest thus giving it a menacing look to match its reputation.
This is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles and can achieve a speed
of around 50 mph.
National Flower
The national flower of Panama is a terrestrial orchid called Flor del Espiritu
Santo or Holy Ghost Orchid in English. This species is found from Costa Rica
down to Colombia and Ecuador.
Inside the flower you see a perfectly shaped dove, hence the name of the
orchid. It has ivory colored petals of an intense colour, decorated in the
center by a very well defined dove. This orchid blooms in the months of July
throughout October.
The orchid while terrestrial, it can also be found between large trees in the
forest. When these trees lose their leaves the Holy Ghost Orchid is revealed
and exposed to the torrential rains of our country.
The bulb of the Holy Ghost Orchid grows dramatically until it reaches maturity,
reaching a size comparable to a softball ball. Then it produces very fragant
flowers that last a long time.
Although it is very rare, sometimes you can buy this orchid to have at home. One
of my neighbours collects orchids, I wonder if he has one of these as well.
National Dress
The "Pollera" is the national dress of women. Nowadays this dress is not in
common use. It however can be appreciated in all its glory during certain
national festivities such as Carnival. It can be all white, or with adornments
of a particular colour such as the Blue Pollera on the left. The head is
adourned with expensive gold jewelry. A pollera with all its ornaments can cost
several thousand dollars.
The national dress of males is the "Montuno" which is not depicted here (yet).
It is accompanied by a hat. This is the native hat of Panama and while similar,
it must not be confused with the well known "Panama Hat" which is actually used
in Ecuador.
Our national anthem the Isthmian Hymn
The National Anthem was written by Mr. Jeronimo de la Ossa and its
musical score was composed by Mr. Santos Jorge. This anthem was sung
during the separation of Panama from Colombia.
Alcanzamos por fin la victoria
En el campo feliz de la unión;
Con ardientes fulgores de gloria
Se ilumina la nueva naci�n.
Es preciso cubrir con un velo
Del pasado el calvario y la cruz;
Y que adorne el azul de tu cielo
De concordia la espléndida luz.
El progreso acaricia tus lares.
Al compás de sublime canción,
Ves rugir a tus pies ambos mares
Quedan rumbo a tu noble misión.
En tu suelo cubierto de flores
A los besos del tibio terral,
Terminaron guerreros fragores;
S�lo reina el amor fraternal.
Adelante la pica y la pala,
Al trabajo sin m�s dilaci�n,
Y seremos as� prez y gala
De este mundo feraz de Colón.
National Poem
This is one of Panama's national poems written by
Ricardo Miro, a Panamanian poet (1883-1940).
PATRIA
Oh! Patria tan pequeña,
tendida sobre un Istmo
donde es el mar mas verde
y es mas vibrante el Sol
En mi resuena toda tu música,
lo mismo que el mar
en la pequeña celda del caracol.
Revuelvo la mirada y a veces siento espanto
cuando no veo el camino que a ti me ha de tornar
Quizas nunca supiera que te quería tanto
si el hado no dispone que atravesara el mar
La patria es el recuerdo, pedazos de la vida
envueltos en jirones de amor o de dolor
La palma rumorosa, la música sabida
El huerto ya sin flores, sin hojas, sin verdor
La patria son los viejos senderos retorcidos
que el pie desde la infancia sin tregua recorrío
En donde son los arboles antiguos conocidos
Que al paso nos conversan de un tiempo que pasó.
En vez de estas soberbias torres con aurea flecha
en donde un sol cansado se viene a desmayar
Dejadme el viejo tronco donde escribi un fecha
donde he robado un beso, donde aprendi a sonar.
Oh mis vetustas torres queridas y lejanas
Yo siento la nostalgia de vuestro repicar
He visto muchas torres, oi muchas campanas
Pero ninguna supo, torres mías lejanas!
cantar como vosotras, cantar y sollozar.
La patria es el recuerdo, pedazos de la vida
envueltos en jirones de amor o de dolor.
La palma rumorosa, la musica sabida
el huerto ya sin flores, sin hojas, sin verdor.
Oh Patria tan pequeña que cabes toda entera
debajo de la sombra de nuestro pabellón
quizas fuíste tan chica para que yo pudiera
llevarte toda entera dentro del corazón.
