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In
1915, Massachusetts adopted a state flag that
was very similar to the flag that flys over the
commonwealth today. The 1915 flag depicted the
commonwealth coat of arms on one side on a white
field. On the other side was blue shield with a
pine tree on it, a symbol of the value placed on
wood by the settlers of Massachusetts.
Today, the
design depicts the Massachusetts coat of arms on
a white field on both sides of the flag, a
design approved on June 2, 1971 to take effect
on November 1, 1971.
The
coat of arms of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts consists of a blue shield with an
Indian on it. The Indian is dressed in a shirt,
leggings and moccasins. He holds a gold bow in
one hand and a gold arrow in the other hand. The
point of the arrow is pointed down. In the upper
right hand corner of the shield is a silver
five-pointed star. Above the shield on a gold
wreath is a right arm, bent at the elbow and
grasping a gold broadsword. The motto of the
Commonwealth is printed in gold on the blue
ribbon partially surrounding the blue shield.
The
shield of blue represents the Blue Hills of
Canton and Milton, Massachusetts. The Indian
depicted on the shield, Massachuset, is shown
carrying the arrow with its tip pointed downward
to indicate a friendly demeanor. The silver star
of the coat of arms is designated as white
(instead of silver) for the flag and represents
Massachusetts as one of the thirteen original
colonies of the United States.
The
motto of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Ense
petit placidam sub libertate quietem," is
printed in gold on a blue ribbon. It can be
translated as "By the sword we seek peace, but
peace only under liberty." This motto is
supported by the ruffle sleeved arm grasping a
sword that is depicted above the shield.
If you
want more information on the State Flags of the
United States, you might want to check
How Proudly They Wave: Flags of the Fifty
States by Rita D. Haban. This book is
geared toward kids... and for adults like me who
want to know about the history and design
significance of the flags of all fifty states
but can't find this information in an expensive
encyclopedia. |
Official State Flag of Massachusetts
