4. National Flag:
Panama´s national flag was born on the eve of the
country´s proclamation of independence. The flag
was designed on October 29th, 1903, by Don
Manuel E. Amador Guerrero and made up by Dona
Maria Ossa de Amador and baptized on December
20th of the same year. The Constituency Assembly
provisionally adopted the flag by Law No. 64 of
1904 and the definitive adoption was through Law
No. 4 of 1925.
5. • The Panamanian flag is divided into four:
the first top close to the flagstaff is white with a blue star,
the second superior at the continuation of the previous
description is red, while the first inferior close to the
flagstaff is blue, and the second is white with a red star.
The white symbolizes peace so much desired by the
peaceful unity of the historic parties that contributed to
the creation of the Panamanian State, red represents the
Liberal Party and Blue was Conservative.
Flag Day was established on November 14th; on this date
all Panamanians pay tribute to their flag that waves on
top the Ancon Hill.
6. Coat of Arms:
Panama´s Coat of Arms was a piece by creator Don
Nicanor Villalaz. After the national insigne was
created, the Government Ministry of the Provisional
Government Board called for a contest of all of the
country´s artists on December 13th in which 103
projects were presented and one was marked with the
initials N.V. belonging to Don Nicanor Villalaz. The jury
decided on this one, recommending some
modifications of simplification, suggesting the
replacement of the slogan “Peace. Freedom. Unity.
Progress”, proposed by the author to “Pro Mundi
Beneficio”, which was approved and adopted by Law
No. 64 of June 4th, 1904.
7. • The coat of arms approved in 1904 and which since then has
been officially used, has the following description:
• Resting on a green countryside, a symbol of vegetation; oval
shape and divided into three. The center shows the isthmus
with its seas and sky highlighting the moon rising and the sun
falling behind the forest in the horizon, symbolizing the hour of
independence. The chief is divided into two barracks; on the
right, in the silver field, a sword and rifle is seen hanging as a
symbol of abandonment signifying a forever goodbye to civil
wars.
• The corner of the coat of arms is divided into two cantons : the
right hand side a blue field as an example of cornucopia
emblem of richness; and the left, a silver countryside symbol of
progress. Behind the coat of arms and covering it with its open
wings is the eagle, emblem of sovereignty with the head
wrapped towards the left with a silver ribbon in its peak, whose
songs hang from right to left.
8. • Over the ribbon reads: “Pro Mundi Beneficio”.
• Over the eagle, in a form of an arch is 9 gold stars (formerly
there were 7), in representation of 9 provinces of the
Republic. As decorative accessories, each side of the coat of
arms are two national pabelleons gathered together by its
inferior part.
• For 37 years the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Panama
has not suffered any alternations, until the Constitution
was proclaimed in 1941 which promoted some changes.
Five years later, the regimen that inspired the changes in
the emblem disappeared in 1946 and the old symbol was
then returned with the slogan “Pro Mundi Beneficio”,
currently found in the coat of arms.
9. National Anthem
We have finally reached victory
In the happy countryside of the union
With passionate glow of glory
The new nation is illuminated.
It is precise to cover with a candle
The past of Calvary and the cross
And to embellish the blue of the sky
Of harmony the splendid light.
Progress caresses its lands
at the rhythm of the noble song.
Watch arise both seas at your feet
That take course to your noble mission.
On the soil covered with flowers
At the kisses of the warm earth
Ended the warrior´s clash,
Only reigns fraternal love.
Forward the pick and shovel,
To work without delay
And shall be prez and gala
Of this productive world of Colon.
10. National Bird
• The National Bird is the Eagle Harpy belonging to
the family Accipitridae, where other species are
found like sparrow hawks, eagles among others.
The habitat of the harpy eagle extends from
Mexico to Argentina. In the Mesoamerica region
from the south of Mexico to Panama. Considered
endanger of extinction, from 1997 efforts were
underway to re-instate them in Panamanian
forests in addition to beginning a campaign for its
protection and conservation.
11. National Flower
Panama´s National Flower is known as the
Espiritu Santo Flower (Peristeria elata) stemming
from a beautiful variety of orchids. It is
characterized for having pedals with an intense
ivory color, decorated in the center with a well
defined and delicate dove that flourishes in the
months from July to October.
