Culture of Mero

The stripes symbolize the Trinity, and the cross that they form supports the Dominicans' belief in God.

Red is the color of social justice.

Yellow is the color of sunshine and agriculture and is a symbol of the early Carib and Arawak tribes.

White represents the clarity of the rivers and waterfalls and the purity of the Dominican people.

Black represents the African heritage of many islanders, as well as the soil that supports the island's agriculture.

Dark green was chosen as a symbol of the rich, green landscape, particularly the forests.

Dominica has a long history filled with traditions. One of the most noticeable of these traditions is the style of dress seen on the island. Colorful garments often show plaid and batik-inspired patterns. Women in particular wear this unique style of clothing.

The first creole style worn by freed women was worn on special occasions - Sundays and feast days - and was called the "jupe." These outfits consisted of a floor length skirt in a bight color over top of a white cotton chemise. The neck, sleeves, and hem were trimmed with lace, and a handkerchief in white was wrapped around the head or shaped into a bonnet. A "foulard," a cotton triangle in white or another bright color, was laid over the chest. The dresses resembled those of French provincial women.

The "madras" began to replace the white handkerchief on the head. Petticoats became fashionable, as did ribbons, which were threaded through the lace. A West African custom of slinging one's skirt over one's arm was also popular, and allowed these petticoats to be partially viewed.

The modern-day Dominican woman's ensemble contains a mouchoir,