About St. Lucia
St. Lucia, a Caribbean island nation, has a rich and diverse history marked by the influence of various cultures and colonial powers. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples, St. Lucia was first visited by Europeans in the late 15th century, with Christopher Columbus possibly sighting the island during his voyages.
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Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, St. Lucia changed hands between the French and British multiple times, earning the nickname "Helen of the West Indies" due to its strategic importance. The French first settled the island in 1650, but it was not until 1814, after the Napoleonic Wars, that St. Lucia definitively became a British colony.
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The island's economy historically relied on sugar plantations, which were worked by enslaved Africans until the abolition of slavery in 1834. Post-emancipation, many East Indian laborers were brought to the island to work on the plantations.
St. Lucia gained full self-government as an Associated State of the United Kingdom on March 1, 1967, and achieved full independence on February 22, 1979. Today, St. Lucia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and strong national identity.
National Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of Saint Lucia was designed by Sydney Bagshaw in 1967. It is made of a blue shield with a stool, two roses and two fleur de lis.
The shield is supported by two Saint Lucian parrots. Beneath the shield is the national motto.
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The symbolism of the elements are:
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Tudor rose – England
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Fleur de lis – France
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Stool – Africa
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Torch – Beacon to light the path
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Saint Lucia parrot – Amazona versicolor, the national bird
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Motto: “The land, the people, the light”
National Flag
The flag of St. Lucia features a cerulean blue field with a unique emblem in the center. This emblem consists of a gold isosceles triangle pointing upward, superimposed on a white-edged black arrowhead. The blue color represents the sky and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, reflecting the island's tropical environment and beauty. The gold triangle symbolizes the sun, prosperity, and the natural wealth of the island, while the black and white arrowhead represents the harmonious relationship between the two primary ethnic groups on the island: African and European.
National Anthem
The national anthem of St. Lucia is titled "Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia." Written by Charles Jesse and composed by Leton Felix Thomas, it was officially adopted upon the nation's independence on February 22, 1979. The anthem celebrates the beauty of the island and the resilience, unity, and pride of its people. It calls on all St. Lucians to honor their heritage and work together for the progress and prosperity of their beloved country.
Sons and daughters of Saint Lucia,
love the land that gave us birth.
Land of beaches, hills and valleys,
fairest isle of all the earth!
Wheresoever you may roam,
love oh love, our island home.
Gone the times when nations battled
for this ‘ Helen of the West ‘.
Gone the days when strife and discord
dimmed her children’s toil and rest.
Dawns at last a brighter day,
stretches out a glad new way.
May the good Lord bless our island,
guard her sons from woe and harm.
May our people live united,
strong in soul and strong in arm.
Justice, Truth and Charity,
our ideal forever be!
National Dress
The national dress of St. Lucia, known as the "Madras," reflects the island's rich cultural heritage and history. Inspired by traditional French and African styles, the ensemble prominently features a vibrant, plaid cotton fabric called madras. Women typically wear a "Wob Dwiyet," a long dress with intricate embroidery and lace, complemented by a headpiece called a "Tête en l'air." Men often wear shirts made from the same colorful madras fabric. This attire is proudly worn during cultural celebrations and festivals, symbolizing St. Lucian identity and heritage.
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Madras is named after the place of its origin, Madras, India.