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

 

 

Dominican Republic is the only county 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 “Cradle of Civilization of the New World”, unfortunately this fact is hardly mentioned anywhere…not sure why. And because its 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).