National Symbols
The flag
The flag of Colombia is tricolour: yellow, blue and red. This colour composition is attributed to Francisco de Miranda, who created the flag of Venezuela that later formed part of Great Colombia that gained its independence thanks to Simon Bolivar. The yellow colour of the flag symbolizes the richness of the Colombian gold. The blue colour represents the two oceans that border the country (Atlantic and Pacific). The red colour symbolizes the blood shed to fight for the freedom, as well as it is a testimony of Christian roots of the Colombian people.
The coat of arms
The coat of arms of the Republic of Colombia was adopted by the Law 3 on May 9, 1834 by the Congress of the New Granada; the colours and disposition were fixed by decree on July 20, 1861. It consists of three horizontal fringes. The Condor symbolizes the freedom; it is depicted facing front with his wings extended and looking to the right. In his beak he is holding a green crown of laurels and a ribbon on which there is written "Liberty and Order" with black letters on golden background. On the upper fringe of the coat of arms there is an opened golden pomegranate on blue background that reminds the Viceroyalty of New Granada, the name that has the country in XIX century. At both sides of it there are two horns: at the right-hand side filled with gold and silver coins, and at the left-hand side with tropical fruits. These horns symbolize the richness and abundance of country's soil. In the middle fringe on a platinum background there is a "barretina" that is a cap that reminds the republican spirit. In the lower fringe on sea waters there are two ships.
National Anthem
The national anthem of the Republic of Colombia was written by the president Rafael Núñez in 1887, originally as ode to celebrate independence of Cartagena.
The music was composed by an Italian Oreste Sindici. The song gained great popularity and was rapidly adopted , although spontaneously, as National anthem of Colombia.
Chorus:
¡Oh gloria inmarcesible!
¡Oh Júbilo inmortal!
En surcos de dolores
El bien germina ya.
I
¡Cesó la horrible noche! La libertad sublime
derrama las auroras de su invencible luz.
La humanidad entera, que entre cadenas gime,
comprende las palabras del que murió en la cruz.
II
¡Independencia! grita el mundo americano;
se baña en sangre de héroes la tierra de Colón.
Pero este gran principio: el pueblo es soberano,
resuena, y los que sufren bendicen su pasión.
III
Del Orinoco el cauce se colma de despojos;
de sangre y llanto un río se mira allí correr.
En Bárbula no saben las almas ni los ojos,
si admiración o espanto sentir o padecer.
IV
A orillas del caribe hambriento un pueblo lucha,
Horrores prefiriendo a pérfida salud.
Oh, sí, de Cartagena la abnegación es mucha,
y escombros de la muerte desprecia su virtud.
V
De Boyacá en los campos el genio de la gloria
con cada espiga un héroe invicto coronó.
Soldados sin coraza ganaron la victoria;
su varonil aliento de escudo les sirvió.
VI
Bolívar cruza el Ande que riega dos océanos;
espadas cual centellas fulguran en Junín.
Centauros indomables descienden a los llanos,
y empieza a presentirse de la epopeya el fin.
VII
La trompa victoriosa en Ayacucho truena;
y en cada triunfo crece su formidable son.
En su expansivo empuje la libertad se estrena,
del cielo americano formando un pabellón.
VIII
La virgen sus cabellos arranca en agonía
y de su amor viuda los cuelga del ciprés.
Lamenta su esperanza que cubre loza fría,
pero glorioso orgullo circunda su alba tez.
IX
La patria así se forma Termópilas brotando;
constelación de cíclopes su noche iluminó.
La flor estremecida, mortal el viento hollando,
debajo los laureles seguridad buscó.
X
Mas no es completa gloria vencer en la batalla,
que el brazo que combate lo anima la verdad.
La independencia sola al gran clamor no acalla;
si el sol alumbra a todos, justicia es libertad.
XI
Del hombre los derechos Nariño predicando,
el alma de la lucha profético enseñó.
Ricaurte en San Mateo en átomos volando,
deber antes que vida con llamas escribió.
National Flower
National flower of Colombia is orchid, precisely the variety denominated Cattleya Trianae in honour of Colombian naturalist José Jerónimo Triana. Orchid is considered one of the most beautiful flowers of the world and this variety has a special beauty.
National tree: La Palma de Cera de Quindío
National bird: condor