Massachusetts Seal

Massachusetts Seal
 

American Symbols

State Flags

 

 
 
 

Massachusetts motto

 
 
 
 
JFK - John Kennedy
 
 
 
 
 

Picture of US Presidents

 
 
 
 
 

Massachusetts motto

 
 
 
 
 

American symbols

Massachusetts State Flag

flag and Nickname

Big Picture of Massachusetts State Flag

The Massachusetts State Flag
The white State Flag of Massachusetts has an image of the state seal which features a picture of an Algonquin Native American. Above the shield is the state military crest that depicts a bent arm holding a broadsword. The flag serves as a symbol of honor, heritage and regional pride and is displayed at state buildings. There is a strict Order of Precedence for flags. State Flags are displayed in order as they entered the Union.

Ratified the Constitution in 1788
Massachusetts is the 6th state
Date the flag was adopted:1908,
modified in 1971

 
 

Facts on the Massachusetts State Flag
Facts and information about flying the ensign and the display of the Massachusetts Flag:

Massachusetts State Flag - Display Facts
Fact 1: It may be flown every day in the 6th state when weather permits
Fact 2: It may be flown from sunrise until sunset. If it is displayed outdoors in the "Bay State", it should be flown from a flagpole

Fact 3: The Massachusetts flag may be flown at night when properly lighted

Fact 4: The flagpole must be at least two and one-half times as long as the Massachusetts flag

Massachusetts State Flag

Picture of Massachusetts Flag

 

Massachusetts State Car Flags
Car Flags are often displayed to represent of an individual's allegiance to their state. Massachusetts State car flags are used by their owners as mobile emblems of their home. Car flags are usually made from strong materials and are attached to a car via a pole and clip window attachment.

History, Description, Colors and Symbols of the Massachusetts State Flag
The Massachusetts flag is the official identifying symbol of the state, the design of which is established by law in the constitution of the "Bay State". What does the flag stand for? The colors, devices and emblems displayed on the Massachusetts State Flag are not arbitrary but have a definite symbolic meaning. The description, history and meaning of the symbols and colors of the Massachusetts State Flag are as follows:

Picture of Massachusetts Flag

Capital of Massachusetts: Boston
Date of Statehood: 6 February 1788 (6th state)
Massachusetts Nickname "Bay State"
Massachusetts Flag Ratio: 3:5

 
What is the design of the Massachusetts state flag?  
 The design is a field of white containing an image of the Seal of Massachusetts
What does the sword symbolize above the Massachusetts shield?
 The sword image depicting a bent arm holding a broadsword is seen on the state military crest. The sword has its upturned blade reflects the feelings of the patriots of Massachusetts leading up to and during the fierce conflict of the War of Independence (1775–1783).
What is the Native American image and symbolism on the Massachusetts shield?
 The image on the shield depicts an Algonquin Native Indian holding a long bow in one hand an arrow in the other. He is dressed in a tunic, leggings and wears moccasins
 This picture reflects the history of the state and the tribes who spoke the Algonquian language that included the Wampanoag, Massachusett, Passamaquoddy, Nipmuck, Pennacook and Quinnipiac tribes
 The single arrow that points downward symbolizes peace. (Two arrows depicted together symbolized war). The Native American holds a long bow, often used for hunting purposes
What does the star symbolize?
 The white 5 pointed star symbolizes the state's admission as the 6th US State.
 The star is also an emblem of the unity of all things and the essence of the life force
 The star is also a symbol of truth and constancy
What are the colors and what do the colors mean, or symbolize, in heraldry?
 The color blue symbolizes vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice
 The color white is a symbol of peace and honesty
 The color yellow or gold is a symbol of the sun, generosity and wealth
What is the shape and flag ratio? The 'Hoist' is the width and the 'Fly' is the length.
 The ratio is 3:5 meaning it is 3 units tall for every 5 units wide.
Who designed the Massachusetts State Flag?
 The name of the designer is unknown
What is the history of the Massachusetts State Flag? 
 Massachusetts had an official naval flag during the Revolutionary War. It was was adopted in April, 1776 and had a white field with a green pine tree and the motto "An Appeal to Heaven"
 At this time all flags were naval ensigns. The emblem carried by soldiers on land were standards, rather than flags - see below
 Massachusetts was the first state to adopt a flag
When was the Massachusetts State Flag officially adopted by the state's legislature? (Most US flags were designed in 19th & 20th centuries)
 It was officially adopted March 21, 1971
The Massachusetts flag is kept and used as required by the code specified in the constitution of the state.

History of Flags - Difference between Flags, Pennons, Standards and Banners
Just to clarify the difference between Flags, Pennons (Pennants), Standards and Banners used in heraldry.

A PennonA BannerRed Ensign Flag
Picture of a Pennon (Pennant)Picture of a BannerPicture of a flag (Red Ensign)
A Standard
Picture of a Standard
What is a Pennon or Pennant? A pennon was the name given to a long narrow streamer originally borne upon a lance. A pennon is now referred to as a pennant.  A Pennant is long, tapering, usually triangular flag, because of its great length it is most often used on ships at sea
What is a Standard? A Standard is a long, tapering flag bearing heraldic devices
What is a Banner? A Banner is a piece of cloth, usually oblong, attached to a staff and used as a standard
What is a Flag? A Flag is a piece of cloth, usually rectangular, of distinctive color and design, used as a symbol, standard, signal, or emblem.
 

Massachusetts State Flag for Kids

Meaning & recent pictures of the Massachusetts flag
History and description of the Massachusetts flag
Find the history and meaning of the State Flag
Meaning, History, Symbols and Origin for kids
Meaning, symbols, design, description and history
Interesting facts & picture of Massachusetts flag
Massachusetts Official Nickname "Bay State"
Meaning of the Massachusetts flag for schools, kids and children


Massachusetts State Flag for Kids

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