The Shield of Cuba
The upper third of
the shield (where the key is located) represents the entrance
to the Gulf of Mexico, as shown by the two land masses
with the sunrise above the sea. Cuba is represented by
the key -- the link commanding the entrance to the Gulf.
The white stripes on the blue background (from the Cuban
flag) located on the left of the shield represent the
"purity and spirit" of the Cuban Republic. The right side,
where the Royal Palm (the national tree of Cuba) is located
represents the "land" (Cuban people).
The shield is surrounded
by bows of olive (on the left) and oak (on the right),
both bearing fruit and symbolizing "peace and strength."
The entire shield is situated in front of "the Rod of
Justice," which, in turn, is capped by the "Cap of Liberty,"
decorated with a lone star.
Information
provided by Paul Rosete Lecuona, who says he remembers
this information "...from the 5th grade 'Morales y Civica'
and 'Historia de Cuba' courses I had before I left the
island."
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