FLAG: The flag of Bermuda is composed of a red background with the Union Flag (Jack) of England in the upper left corner, ‘hoist side’, and the Bermuda Coat of Arms centred on the right side or ‘fly’ of the flag. It was officially approved in 1967.

COAT OF ARMS: The Bermuda Coat of Arms is based on the latter of two coats of arms of the Bermuda Company, the group of investors with a charter granted by King James I, to colonize Bermuda in 1615. It is fixed by Royal Warrant, 4th October, 1910. “Argent on a mount vert a lion sejant affronte gules supporting between the forepaws an antique shield azure thereon a representation of the wreck of the ship Sea Venture (1609), together with this motto: ‘Quo Fata Ferunt’.”

TREE: Bermuda Cedar (Bermuda Juniper) is an endemic evergreen tree growing to 40 feet. It has a most beautiful wood and is strong and aromatic with a sandy/red hue. This cedar was the dominant forest tree of Bermuda and was used extensively in both home and shipbuilding until the 1900’s. An insect scale introduced in the 1940’s practically wiped the species out. But thanks to a dedicated response, the cedar is recovering.

FLOWER: The Bermudiana is a hardy member of the Iris family, and an endemic species. It grows well, often in clumps, in sandy dunes and on grassy hillsides. It flowers from April to June and has a small purple-blue flower which produces abundant seeds that germinate in a year.

BIRD: The Longtail or Tropicbird is named for its two long tail feathers and is brilliantly white with black markings through its eye and on its wings. A harbinger of Spring, the Longtail returns to Bermuda in February/March every year after spending its winter months in the Sargasso Sea area, resting in the water or soaring to great heights. During the summer months they nest in Bermuda’s cliffside holes, producing one chick.

DISH: Fish Chowder: Made with fish heads and fish fillets, beef stock, tomato paste, vegetables, spices and bacon, this is a hearty soup. It is served with black rum or sherry peppers (bird peppers in sherry–hot hot hot!).

ARCHITECTURE: Bermuda’s distinctive architecture began its evolution in the 1600’s. Early settlers found themselves in a dramatically different climate with a new set of building materials to work with. They applied their knowledge and skills to design shelter that was simple and practical. Over time, architectural influences from Britain, the West Indies, Europe and America impacted these simple structures and created the Bermuda vernacular.

Indigenous materials used in early Bermuda construction included Bermuda Cedar, stone, palmetto and lime. In the 1600’s islanders built wooden houses with clay and twigs and mortar with Palmetto thatched roofs. But by the 1700’s stone was determined to be the wiser choice. Cedar was used for framing while Bermuda stone was cut into blocks and slates and used for walls and roofing. Lime was made from burning limestone and when hydrated and mixed with sand was used for mortar and when mixed with water alone was used as a whitewash.

The traditional Bermuda home was developed with the climate in mind and was clearly a case of form following function. Roofs were guttered and tanks built to catch and store rainwater. Tray ceilings created taller, cooler interior spaces. Chimneys buttressed the windward walls. Eyebrows deflected rainwater away from window openings.

Modern Bermuda architecture incorporates many of these same sensible design elements though building materials have changed due to waning supplies of original materials. The colour palette has also changed as vibrant paints have replaced the more subtle tones of the traditional lime wash. An interesting comparison can be made by visiting one of Bermuda’s earliest houses such as Carter House in St. David’s. Carter House is open seasonally. For hours, contact the St. David’s Historical Society.

Happily there are now several excellent books available in local book stores (see Yellow Pages® heading Books & Magazines) containing detailed information regarding the history and preservation of Bermuda architecture. The Bermuda National Trust is producing a series of books titled Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage. Each book features a single parish with Devonshire, St. George’s, Sandys, and Hamilton completed to date. The Traditional Building Guide/ Advice For Preserving Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage, also published by the National Trust along with the Department of Planning, is a fascinating read and a must for anyone in possession of an older Bermuda home. And for sheer enjoyment, local photographer Ian MacDonald Smith’s Bermuda Houses, with text by Sylvia Shorto, is hard to beat.

GOMBEYS: The Gombeys are one of the favourite excitements for children growing up in Bermuda. Fascinated by the driving drum rhythm, bright costumes and threatening weaponry children always follow as closely as they dare. Gombeys perform in groups that are comprised of male dancers and musicians. They dance through the streets on Boxing Day (December 26th) and Bermuda Day (May 24th), both public holidays, and a few other occasions of their choosing. They are vibrant ambassadors of the island and as such often appear at Tourism related functions both on island and abroad. Mrs. Louise Jackson’s book Gombey is an excellent resource for those wanting to learn more about Bermuda’s Gombeys. She notes the impact of “African, West Indian, Biblical, Native American and even British Military influences”. There is a hierarchy in the dance troupe, which is usually made up of extended family members. The Captain carries the whip and commands with a sharp blast of his whistle. He wears a colourful cape, with bits of mirror sewn on, usually made by the female members of the family. The Wild Indian carries a bow and arrow. The Trapper carries a rope and his job is to catch the Wild Indian. The Chiefs and the Captain follow the Trapper with their tomahawks and shields and the warriors follow them with hatchets. They “snake dance” through the streets then stop to dance.

MAY 24TH: Bermuda Day was originally called Empire Day to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday. Today, however, May 24th marks the beginning of summer for Bermudians. A full day of events, all well attended, kicks off with a cycling race from Somerset to Hamilton along with a half marathon and a roller-blading race on the same course. In the afternoon a parade of floats and bands winds its way through Hamilton while the first Bermuda ‘fitted’ dinghy race of the season keeps the boating enthusiasts entertained. For some Bermudians May 24th is also the date for their first swim of the season. Others, spoilt by the island’s warm summer waters, wait until June when the temperature approaches 80 degrees.

CUP MATCH: Cup Match is a two day holiday in July/August that commemorates Somers Day (the shipwreck of the Sea Venture, July 1609) and Emancipation Day (the emancipation of slaves, August 1834). The celebration of these historic events has evolved into a two-day celebration held on the Thursday and Friday before the first Monday in August. At its heart is a cricket match between the Somerset and St. George’s Cricket Clubs, with most Bermudians being life-long supporters of one team or the other. Crown and Anchor, a gambling game, is legal in Bermuda over these two days and can be found only on the cricket grounds. Camping is also hugely popular over the Cup Match holiday long weekend.