vintage and contemporary postcards and stamps from around the world


08 October 2017

Sunday Stamps II - 147


1964, Jamaica

Jamaica is the fourth largest island country in the Caribbean. It was claimed for Spain in 1494 by Christopher Columbus, though the Awarak people had been living there since about 4000-1000 BC. The British claimed it for themselves in 1655. Independence was granted in 1962 and their new flag was adopted. It is the only country flag that does not feature any red, white, or blue. The gold saltire represents the natural wealth, and beauty of sunshine. The green triangles are for natural resources and hope; the black triangles for strength and creativity of the people.The original interpretation was that there are hardships (black) but the land is lush (green) and the sun shineth (gold). Jamaica was also the first British colonial territory to establish a postal service, in 1688.

for the letter J - Jamaica

5 comments:

Bob Scotney said...

Lovely stamp; I never knew the ideas behind the design of the flag or the postal history info.

Joy said...

No wonder the Jamaican netball team are called the Sunshine Girls.

FinnBadger said...

Nice to read the history of the flag... and the post office.

Heleen said...

Pretty stamp, and interesting to know the background about both the land and the flag. And the postal service of course.

Mail Adventures said...

Very interesting information about this country, thanks!