The Flag and Coat of Arms of San Pedro, Belize
The flag of San Pedro includes symbols which represent important aspects of its heritage. The Coat of Arms embodies the symbols of St. Peter, the patron saint of San Pedro from which the town was named after. St. Peter is the patron saint of fishermen, net makers and ship builders.
The Colours: The red, white and green flag of San Pedro represents the three colours of St. Peter. The red signifies the blood of those massacred during the Yucatan Caste War. White symbolizes the peace that the Mestizo people seek in their new settlement. Green represents the hope of the Mestizo people.
Symbols of St. Peter (Coat of Arms)
The shield represents the Coat of Arms. An inverted Latin cross divides the field into four quarters. The field is maroon, the traditional colour of royalty and nobility.
The Inverted Cross: A St. Peter's Cross is an inverted Latin cross. It symbolizes the martyrdom of Saint Peter, the Prince of the Apostles. The origin of this symbol comes from the fact that St. Peter was crucified upside down, as he felt he was unworthy to be crucified in the same manner that Christ died (upright).
The Cock: The first quarter, the upper left hand section, bears the cock which represents the three times St. Peter denies Christ as he had predicted.
The Crossed Keys: The second quarter, the upper right hand side, represents the Papal authority to which the Society of Jesus is dedicated by special vow and by which the Christian people are assured of infallible guidance in faith and morals. The Crossed Keys are Christ's own symbols of that authority according to his words spoken to Peter, "I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven..." It symbolizing the keys of heaven.
The Fisherman’s Net: The two lower quarters portray the fisherman's net and the apostolate of the Church and Society: "I will make you fishers of men".
The Motto: The motto, "Sub umbra Petri" is translated "Under the shadow of Peter" and recalls the beautiful practice of the early Christians who brought their sick to Peter "so that when Peter passed, his shadow at least might fall on some of them". Under the same shadow San pedranos live and prosper.
by San Pedro House of Culture
Click here to comment on this picture.
Belize Slideshow