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National
Flag:
The colours green, red and white characterize the Maldivian National flag:
The green rectangle, which represents the innumerable palmtrees, the life
source of the islands, is surrounded by red, the blood of the nation's
heroes in sacrifice, and is dominated by a white crescent in the centre
- the symbol of Islamic faith.
National
Emblem:
The crescent, a star, a coconut palm, two national flags and a banner
with the traditional title of the state "Ad Dawlat, Al Mahaldheebiyya"
("The State of the Maldives") represent the National emblem used on government
documents.
National
Tree:
Maldivians have done the beneficial coconut palm justice by declaring
it the National Tree in 1985. All parts of it can be and are used, no
part of the tree goes to waste. Its branches are used as material for
the roofs, giving them their thatched-like appearance and for brooms,
essential for the daily sweeping of the roads and yards. On special occasions
you can admire huge fish or other objects and decorations made out of
these branches - an artform in itself. The fruit itself is an essential
part of Maldivian cuisine, the juice of a young fruit "kurumba", is a
delicious, refreshing drink, the ripe coconut is used with dried fish,
in shorteats or as coconut milk. Coconut shells are a good source of fuel
keeping a fire burning for a long time and on the islands you can still
find specially made irons heated by these shells.
National
Flower:
The pink rose was declared National Flower in 1985. It is a rare beauty
- just like the country it represents.
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