Oklahoma Seal

Oklahoma Seal
 

American Symbols

State Flags

 

Picture of an Osage Native American

George Catlin picture of an Osage Native American

 
 
 

 
 

Flags from the 50 US States

 
 
 
 
 

Picture of an Osage Native American

 
 

 

American symbols

Oklahoma State Flag

flag and Nickname

Big Picture of Oklahoma State Flag

The Oklahoma State Flag
The sky blue State Flag of Oklahoma depicts an image to represent the unity of its Native American and European-American cultures. An Osage buffalo-skin shield is the central image crossed with an olive branch and a peace pipe which are both traditional  symbols of peace. The Oklahoma 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.

Date entered the Union:1907
Oklahoma is the 46th state
Date the flag was adopted:1925,
modified 1941 and 1988

 
 

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

Oklahoma State Flag - Display Facts
Fact 1: It may be flown every day in the 46th state when weather permits
Fact 2: It may be flown from sunrise until sunset. If it is displayed outdoors in the "Cowboy Country", it should be flown from a flagpole

Fact 3: The Oklahoma 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 flag

Oklahoma State Flag

Picture of Oklahoma Flag

 

Oklahoma State Car Flags
Car Flags are often displayed to represent of an individual's allegiance to their state. Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma State Flag
The Oklahoma flag is the official identifying symbol of the state, the design of which is established by law in the constitution of the "Cowboy Country". What does the flag stand for? The colors, devices and emblems displayed on the Oklahoma State Flag are not arbitrary but have a definite symbolic meaning. The description, history and meaning of the symbols and colors of the Oklahoma State Flag are as follows:

Picture of Oklahoma Flag

Capital: Oklahoma City
Date of Statehood:
16 November 1907
(46th state)
"Cowboy Country"
Flag Ratio: 2:3

1911 Oklahoma Flag

 
What is the design of the Oklahoma state flag?  
 The design is a sky blue field with a buffalo-skin shield hung with seven eagle feathers
 The olive branch and calumet or peace pipe are both symbols of peace
  The crosses are often described as stars but the only association we can find is the four pointed morning star. As the flag design was created by Mrs. Louise Fluke, not a member of the Osage Nation, we believe that the crosses represent the Christian religion. Most of the Osage resisted missionary attempts and chose to retain their own religion and practices
  

Cross on Oklahoma shield

 Picture of a cross on shield

Picture of the Morning Star symbol

  The Oklahoma Statutes, Title 25, states "a circular rawhide shield of an American Indian Warrior, decorated with six painted crosses on the face". The type, or symbolism, of the crosses are not specified so we are unable to confirm the meaning of the crosses.

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
What is the shape and flag ratio? The 'Hoist' is the width and the 'Fly' is the length.
 The ratio is 2:3 meaning it is 2 units tall for every 3 units wide.
Who designed the Oklahoma State Flag?
 The name of the designer was Mrs. Louise Fluke
What is the history of the Oklahoma State Flag? 
 There were approximately 14 different flags that flew over what is now the state of Oklahoma, including the flags of Great Britain, Spain, France, Mexico, and the Choctaw Indian Nation
 

1911-1925: The red flag adopted in 1911 was a white star with the number 46 outlined in blue. The flag proved unpopular due to the association of the red flag and Communism (see above picture.)

 1924: In 1924, a contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution, was held to design a new flag to represent the unity of its Native American and European-American cultures.
 

The winner of the contest was Mrs. Louise Fluke whose design featured an Osage Nation buffalo-skin shield with seven eagle feathers hanging from it. The idea for her design was based on the Osage Nation seal (see below) but she replaced the arrowhead with a shield to which she added six crosses.

When was the Oklahoma State Flag officially adopted by the state's legislature? (Most US flags were designed in 19th & 20th centuries)
 It was officially adopted April 21, 1925 and standardized April 21, 2006
What is the Pledge of Allegiance and Salute?
  The Pledge of Allegiance is as follows:

"I salute the flag of the State of Oklahoma. Its symbols of peace unite all people."
 

 The salute should be made by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.

The Oklahoma flag is kept and used as required by the code specified in the constitution of the state.

The Oklahoma State Flag and the Osage  Nation Seal

Picture of the Osage Nation Seal

Oklahoma State Flag & the Osage Nation Seal
The idea for the design of the Oklahoma Flag by Louise Fluke was based on the Osage Nation seal. The Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma features the seals of the 'Five Civilized Tribes' that consist of the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Seminole and Chickasaw nations. Each of the Five Civilized Tribes had a great seal to represent the people of its nation (refer to the article on the Oklahoma State Seal). These seals was attached to official documents just as the seals that are used by the officials of the various US states and territories. The Osage also wrote a constitution in 1881, basing some parts on the United States Constitution.

The Osage Nation Seal
The Osage Nation Seal has a gold background is a symbol of tribal prosperity. The blue arrowhead represents hunting and war. Peace is represented by a ceremonial smoking pipe, called a Calumet, was often used to seal a peace treaty, hence the term 'Peace Pipe'. The Calumet was also used to offer prayers in religious ceremonies and in war councils.  The eagle feather fan stands for the authority of high office in clan or tribal affairs.

 

Oklahoma State Flag for Kids

Meaning & recent pictures of the Oklahoma State flag
"Hard work conquers all things" Oklahoma motto
Find the meaning of Oklahoma State Flag
Oklahoma History, Symbols and Origin for kids
Meaning, symbols, design, description and history
Interesting facts & pictures of the State Flag
Official Oklahoma Nickname "Cowboy Country"

Meaning of the Oklahoma State Flag for schools, kids and children


Oklahoma State Flag for Kids

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