In 1971 the reverse-side design was eliminated from the state flag, but the maritime flag (a pine tree on a plain white field) was resurrected. The first official nonmilitary state flag, which was adopted by the legislature on March 18, 1908, featured on the obverse side the coat of arms; on the reverse side was a green pine tree on a blue shield. In 1686, for example, a pine tree was added to the Cross of St. George (English) flag to create a special local flag that was also used in other parts of New England. U.S. state flag consisting of a white field (background) with a coat of arms featuring an American Indian and a star. A white star with five points appears next to the figure's head, signifying Massachusetts' admission as the sixth U.S. state.
Above the shield is the state military crest: the bent arm of Myles Standish holding a broadsword aloft. Announcing our NEW encyclopedia for Kids!
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A ribbon is also found on the design and features the state motto in Latin.
The flag of the commonwealth of Massachusetts displays, on both sides, the state coat of arms centered on a blue field. The shield depicts an Algonquian Native American with bow and arrow; the arrow is pointed downward, signifying peace. Massachusetts was among the first states of the US. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
The blue shield symbolizes the blue hills located in Canton and Milton, Massachusetts.
The state flag of Massachusetts features the state’s coat of arms.
The Indian figure from the 1629 seal was revived by Nathan Cushing when he designed the coat of arms of the new Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1780. Corrections? Vector.
The white star has five points which are a symbol of the admission of Massachusetts as the sixth state.
The flag of Massachusetts that was first designed in 1908 was similar to the design used today. Similar Images .
https://www.symbols.com/symbol/flag-of-massachusetts. A blue ribbon surrounds the shield, bearing the state motto Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem ("By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty"). The design also features a white star that represents the state being the sixth to be admitted to the United States.
The arm and sword in the crest, together with the Latin motto on the surrounding ribbon—“Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem” (“By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty”)—refer to lines written in the 17th century by the English politician Algernon Sidney. Symbols.com. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). We truly appreciate your support. Similar Images . He holds a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. However, on the reverse side was a pine tree – the same design used on the naval and maritime flag of the state. Translated, the motto is, “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” Above the shield is an arm holding a sword with the blade up – a reminder of the liberty that was won through the American Revolution.
Flag of Massachusetts is part of the U.S. State Flags group. Throughout Massachusetts’ history, limited-purpose flags have been used but it was not until 1908 that the state had a flag to represent its government.