Cameroonians ignorant of State symbols, their Usage

Cameroonians venerate their State symbols often without understanding their use.

State symbols are part of everyday life in all nooks and crannies of the country. The most prominent State symbol is the name “Republic of Cameroon” which gives an identity to all Cameroonians wherever they may be. It depicts the form of the State and geographical entity, distinct from others on the world map and arena of nations.

Cameroonians use it not only to indicate their country of origin but also a set of values such as soccer might, cultural diversity and touristic variety, earning the nickname “Africa in Miniature.” More so, the name is imprinted on the letterheads of all official documents.

The National Anthem or rallying song, “O Cameroon, Thou Cradle of Our Fathers” is supposedly learnt and known by all Cameroonians. Sung before all official events and in school assemblies, the National Anthem symbolises the dreams and aspirations of Cameroonians as citizens of an independent Republic, experts say.

Everybody is expected to be at attention when the anthem is being sung officially. Most often, Cameroonians are expected to be looking at the national flag - another State symbol - if flown nearby.

The national flag which carries the three national colours - Green, Red and Yellow - with a five-pointed yellow star on the Red - is a highly respected symbol. It must be clean when hoisted and folded neatly when not in use.

Popular rebuke often sanctions any disrespectful use of the flag as a popular comedian once experienced when he used the flag to clean his shoes publicly. When hoisted in Cameroon, the national flag takes precedence over all other national flags.

In most official documents, the Coat of Arms or National Emblem features at the top. It comprises two banners – one above and one below it, two crossed fasces behind the shield bearing three national colours as the flag.

A scale of justice is superimposed on top of a map at the centre of the shield. The name of the nation appears in English and French below while the National Motto – Peace, Work, Fatherland - features on the top banner.

Another State symbol is the Seal of the Republic of Cameroon which is often stamped on a document to show its legal and authentic nature. Cameroon’s two official languages, English and French, are also State symbols likewise the National Day – 20th May. The National Youth Day celebrated on 11th February also has the status of a National Day.