In the Old Testament, Hebrew patriarch, son of Isaac and Rebecca, who obtained the rights of seniority from his twin brother Esau by trickery. He married his cousins Leah and Rachel, serving their father Laban seven years for each, and at the time of famine in Canaan joined his son Joseph in Egypt. His 12 sons were the traditional ancestors of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Green stands for the country's natural resources. White represents peace, justice, and unity. Blue recalls the sea and the capital Freetown's natural harbour. Effective date: 27 April 1961.