Crest and Motto

Farraige Belle's national crest represents many of the country's values.

The colors of the crest all have their own meanings. Silver, the main color, symbolizes stability and security. Blue, the color of the banners, symbolizes peace and calm. Black, the color of the designs, symbolizes openness to the unknown. This is to show that moving to Farraige Belle is a bold (but good!) step and takes a great amount of courage for many people.

The crest's designs also have individual meanings. The centermost palm trees represent peace and opportunity. There is plenty of both on the island. The sun in the top right corner represents new beginnings. The turtle below the sun symbolizes protection, among other things (see below for a complete list; this is also the island's national animal). The bee in the top left corner symbolizes hard work, and the dove below it symbolizes peace (of course!).

Animal - Sea Turtle

Farraige Belle is home to many amazing tropical animals, but the most dominant by far is the sea turtle. These beautiful creatures were Adelaeie Byrne's favorite part of the island, and they have become a national symbol of hope for all.

Thanks to their trusty shells, turtles symbolize protection. This is exactly what Bernard Byrne was hoping to accomplish by opening the island to others. Through seclusion from the outside world, he wanted to shield people from violence, pollution, and technology. He built a miniature empire where he could do just that. In many ways, Farraige Belle is just like a turtle's protective shell.

Turtles are also a universal symbol of longevity, strength, creation, and stability, all good things to consider when creating a new country. The sea turtle was not chosen as national animal just because of what it symbolizes, however. The animals are abundant on the island, and a trip to the beach just wouldn't be complete without a sighting. The people of Farraige Belle are quite used to watching these graceful creatures slice their way through the crystalline waters. 

Drink - Pina Colada

 There's nothing quite like lounging on the beach with a refreshing drink in one hand - especially when that drink is one of Farraige Belle's famous pina coladas.

Alcohol was banned on the island from the start, but it isn't necessary when you have a 100% natural, fresh smoothie at your fingertips.

Farraige Belle's pina coladas are made with island ingredients only (everything in the country is). The coconuts are gathered from the beach by adventurous children each morning, and the pineapples are picked fresh as well. They are blended together to create an irresistably sweet, fruity smoothie.

It's impossible to recreate a Farraige Belle pina colada anywhere but the island itself, but if you'd like a close taste click here to visit our kitchen. You will be able to find the recipe and even a how-to video! You probably won't have sun-ripened island coconuts and pineapples on hand, but  you can substitute store-boughten juices (they just won't be as amazing).

Flower - Plumeria

Plumeria flowers are known as Farraige Belle's "little gems." Their soft, rounded petals and unique inner designs are loved by all, and they bring bright splashes of color to the fringes of the white beaches.

Plumeria flowers come in many different colors, all in gorgeous pastel shades. They are quite popular in tropical wedding bouquets, even outside Farraige Belle. On the island, you would be hard-pressed to find a marriage ceremony without a traditional pink (for love) and yellow (for new beginnings) bouquet. 

Tree - Palm Tree

Nothing screams "tropics" quite like a palm tree, and Farraige Belle definitely isn't lacking on that front. The island boasts over fifteen different breeds, three of which bear the coconuts that make Farraige Belle's pina coladas so popular.

Farraige Belle's many palm trees provide more than just beauty. Its thick forests are harvested (in moderation, of course) to build new homes and repair dining halls, and the trees offer cool shade on hot days. Their multiple purposes and abundance make them an obvious choice as national tree.