Dominican Republic: The Only Flag in The World with a Bible on it

The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world with a Bible on its flag. Additionally, the island has the first university, church, court, and hospital of the New World, even before the United States. It is why DR is known as the “Cradle of Civilization of the New World”, unfortunately, this fact is hardly mentioned anywhere…not sure why. And because it’s not mentioned or talked about much, I decided to write about it.

Since being discovered in 1492 and established as the first civilization of the new world by Christopher Columbus.

“La Zona Colonial” (Old Santo Domingo) is known as “Cradle of Civilization of the New World” because oldest (first) institutions in the western hemisphere, even before the United States.

DR has the first university, Santo Thomas Aquinas. First church, Santo Mary of the Incarnation Cathedral. First hospital, Nicholas de Bari Hospital. First City Hall, Casa de Contratacion and the first court system, Real Audiencia of Santo Domingo.

The Dominican Republic has been influenced and enriched by European, Asian, African and Middle Eastern ethnitticities.

Turning Dominican culture into thrilling melting pot, which anyone can experience by its folklore, foods, music, celebrations, customs and traditions.

From the poorest to the richest, the uneducated to the educated, the reality is that God occupies a important place in the life of most Dominicans and it is no wonder that this belief has manifested into being the only flag in the world to have a bible on it.

This might explain the happy-go-lucky attitude and positivity of many Dominicans and why they have a reputation for being among the friendliest people you’ll meet. Exuding passion, optimism and happiness in the way they act, speak, and dance, and in the way they embrace of their fellow human being, be it, neighbor, stranger or visitor.

This positivity is reflected in the belief that their consistent pursuit of and faith in God, protects them from the natural disasters.

As an example many Dominicans believe that their consistent pursuit of and faith in God, protects them from the natural disasters that have hit the Island of Hispaniola hard for many years, for example the neighboring Haiti.

Beautiful countryside’s and lavish beaches are not the only reason DR is so popular as a tourist destination.

The positivity and happiness along with the faith of Dominicans are other reasons that the island has grown to be the most visited of the Caribbean.

People are attracted to positive vibes, and for millions of tourists, the Dominican Republic has become they’re go-to-place for joy and relaxation, the next time you look at the DR flag and see the bible in the middle within its coat of arms, you will hopefully have a better understanding on why it’s the only country out of 254 that has a bible on its flag.

History of the flag

A Dominican revolutionary secret society known as “La Trinitaria”  highlighted their Christian heritage by placing a white cross on the background of the blue and red flag.

The blue on the flag stands for liberty, the white for salvation, and the red for heroes’ blood.

This revolution started in February 27, 1844, the flag designed by Juan Pablo Duarte, known as the founding father of the Island. The independence movement prompted a constitution to be formed for the Dominican Republic and this established the official flag on November 6, 1844.

The design of the coat of arms was created by the Dominican General and politician Casimiro Nemesio de Moya and it was made official in 1913.

The coat of arms in the center of the flag incorporates a Bible and a cross. There’s also branches of laurel and palm, the name of the country, and the motto “Dios, patria, libertad” (“God, homeland, liberty”).

In the center of coat of arms, flanked by three spears (two of them holding Dominican banners) on each side, is a Bible with a small cross above it and its opened to the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 32, which reads “Y la verdad os hará libres” (And the truth shall make you free).

15 Fun Facts about DR:

1. First European Settlement: The Dominican Republic is home to the first European settlement in the Americas. Christopher Columbus founded the town of La Isabela in 1493 on the northern coast of the island.
2. Oldest European-Owned Military Building: The Ozama Fortress in Santo Domingo is the oldest European-owned military building in the Americas. Construction began in 1502.
3. Baseball Passion: Baseball is the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic. The country has produced numerous Major League Baseball (MLB) stars, and Dominicans make up one of the largest groups of foreign players in the league.
4. Lake Enriquillo: The Dominican Republic is home to the largest lake in the Caribbean, Lake Enriquillo. What makes it unique is that it is also the lowest point in the Caribbean, lying below sea level.
5. Merengue and Bachata: The Dominican Republic is famous for its music, particularly Merengue and Bachata. Merengue is the national dance and music style, while Bachata originated in the rural areas and has gained international popularity.
6. Three Bordering Countries: The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. It is the only Caribbean country that has a land border with two other nations – Haiti to the west and the French Overseas Territory of Saint Martin to the north.
7. Pico Duarte: The Dominican Republic is home to the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte, which stands at 10,164 feet (3,098 meters) above sea level.
8. Cave Art: The Dominican Republic boasts one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian Taino Indian cave art in the Caribbean. These ancient paintings can be found in various caves across the country.
9. First Cathedral in the Americas: Santo Domingo is home to the first cathedral in the Americas, Catedral Primada de América, built between 1512 and 1540.
10. Dominican Carnival: The Dominican Republic hosts one of the liveliest carnivals in the Caribbean, celebrated throughout February. It features colorful costumes, parades, and traditional music and dance.
11. Amber Capital of the World: The Dominican Republic is known as the “Amber Capital of the World.” The country is a significant source of amber, and the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata showcases a rich collection of this fossilized resin.
12. Whale Watching: Samaná Bay is a prime location for whale watching. Every year, humpback whales migrate to these warm waters to give birth and mate.
13. Independence Day Celebration: The Dominican Republic celebrates its Independence Day on February 27th, marking the day in 1844 when it gained independence from Haiti.
14. Island of Hispaniola: The Dominican Republic covers about two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, making it the second-largest country in the Caribbean, after Cuba.
15. Coffee Production: The Dominican Republic has a long history of coffee cultivation, and its high-quality coffee is gaining recognition in the international market. The country is known for producing some of the best Arabica coffee beans.

1o Fun Facts About the Dominican Flag

1. Unique Design: The Dominican Republic flag is one of the few national flags in the world that features the image of the national coat of arms in the center. The coat of arms is a significant element of the flag’s design.
2. Colors and Their Meanings: The flag consists of three horizontal stripes of blue, white, and red. Blue represents liberty, white symbolizes salvation, and red signifies the blood shed by the nation’s heroes.
3. Mirroring the Flag of Haiti: The Dominican Republic and Haiti, both located on the island of Hispaniola, share similar flag designs. The only difference is the arrangement of colors; the Dominican Republic’s flag has the blue at the top and the red at the bottom, while Haiti’s flag has the reverse.
4. Coat of Arms Features: The coat of arms in the center of the flag contains various symbolic elements, including the Bible, a gold cross, a green palm branch, and an open, white scroll with the national motto, “Dios, Patria, Libertad” (God, Fatherland, Liberty).
5. First Use of the Flag: The flag was first adopted on November 6, 1844, the same day the country declared its independence from Haiti. This makes the Dominican Republic’s flag one of the oldest in the Americas.
6. Original Flag Design: The original design of the flag had a different arrangement of the colors. The blue and red were reversed, but it was later modified to the current design.
7. National Flag Day: The Dominican Republic celebrates National Flag Day on February 27th each year. This date commemorates the day in 1844 when the country gained independence.
8. Proportions of the Flag: The flag has a 2:3 ratio, meaning that the length is 1.5 times the height. This is a common ratio for national flags.
9. Flag in Sports: The Dominican Republic flag is often proudly displayed during international sports events, especially in baseball competitions where the country has a strong presence and a passionate fan base.
10. Significance in the Diaspora: The Dominican Republic flag holds great importance for the large Dominican diaspora around the world. It is often displayed at cultural events, festivals, and gatherings as a symbol of national pride and identity.

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