GRADE FIVE SOCIAL STUDIES
Hello Boys and Girls, Did you enjoy collecting pictures of our national symbols? What do you know about their significance? Okay, let us look further at the significant meaning of each of these important symbols of nationhood. They are also referred to as the insignia of statehood.
The National Flag Guyana’s National Flag, the Golden Arrowhead with its bright colours of green, white, gold, black and red and its unique design represent our country’s people, land, government and its ideals. Now, let us describe the design of the flag. You would notice that there are two triangles on the flag, one inside the other. They are on the same base. The outer triangle, shaped like an arrow is gold with a narrow white border while the inner triangle is red with a narrow black border. The background of the flag is green. The five colours have significant meanings. Can you explain the meaning of each colour to a friend? Well, try this activity. Match each colour with what it represents. Colour Meaning Green waters – rivers, streams, lakes White minerals – gold, diamond, bauxite Gold the zeal and dynamic task of nation-building Black agriculture and forest Red strength and endurance of Guyanese
Do you know who designed the Golden Arrowhead? Yes, it was designed by Whitney Smith, Director of the World Flag Centre in Florida, U.S.A.
Another exercise for you 1. Citizens of Guyana ought to honour the Golden Arrowhead. Say why you agree or disagree with this statement. 2. Explain how you can honour Guyana’s National Flag.
The National Coat-of-Arms Look again at the National Coat-of-Arms. Its design is made up of several things. Make a list of them. The Coat-of-Arms consists of a white shield which is supported on each side by a jaguar holding a pick-axe and stalks of sugar cane and rice. On top of the shield is a cacique crown decorated with feathers and two diamonds. Cacique crown is the headdress worn by an Amerindian chief. Below the shield is a scroll, the red and gold ribbon on which our country’s motto is written. How is the design of the Coat-of-Arms interpreted? Let’s find out.
The design of the National Coat-of-Arms is interpreted as follows: ●
● The two diamonds signify our mining industries. ● The helmet symbolises the British Monarchy.
● The shield signifies protection for our country. It is decorated with the ● Victoria Regia Lily, the national flower; the Canje Pheasant, the national bird and three blue wavy lines which represent Guyana’s many waters.
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The Amerindian Headdress represents the Amerindians as the indigenous or first people of the country.
The two jaguars, one holding a pick axe and the other, stalks of sugar cane and rice represent the country’s mining industry and the two main agricultural industries, sugar and rice.
The Motto on the scroll: “One People, One nation, One Destiny” signifies unity and a common destiny of the ethnic groups.
Who designed the National Coat-of-Arms? – It was designed by three Guyanese artists, Mr. Alvin Bowman, Mr. L.R. Burrows and Mr. Stanley Greaves. They submitted designs of the Coat-of-Arms to a special committee. Sections of their designs were used for the final design which was done by Mr. Alvin Bowman.
To be continued next week, Goodbye boys and girls!