Flag of Connecticut (US state)

The flag of the state of Connecticut, officially adopted in 1897, is a symbol rich with historical significance, tracing its origins back to the state's earliest colonial days. The flag’s design is centered around the state's ancient seal, which embodies the core values and foundational beliefs of the early settlers. It is a testament to Connecticut’s enduring legacy as one of the original American colonies, known for its strong foundations in law, faith, and industry.

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Elements

The Connecticut state flag features a deep blue field with the state's coat of arms prominently placed in the center.

• Colors and Arrangement: The flag's field is a solid azure blue, a deep, vibrant shade that provides a striking background for the intricate central emblem.

• The Coat of Arms: The main element of the flag is the state's coat of arms, a highly symbolic oval shield surrounded by an ornate wreath.

  • The Grapevines: At the center of the shield are three grapevines, each bearing three bunches of grapes. The three grapevines are a direct reference to the three original settlements that founded the colony: Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield. The grapevines themselves symbolize the fertile land, industry, and prosperity that allowed the colony to flourish.

  • The Motto: Below the shield is a white banner with the Latin motto, "QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET." This powerful phrase translates to "He who transplanted still sustains" and reflects the early Puritan settlers' belief that the divine power who brought them to the New World would continue to protect and sustain them.

  • The Wreath: Surrounding the shield is a wreath of oak and olive branches. The oak branches are a symbol of strength and endurance, while the olive branches represent peace, reflecting the state's desire for both internal and external tranquility.

• Dimensions: The official dimensions of the flag are not strictly defined by law, but it is typically produced in a standard ratio of 3:5.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

The history of the Connecticut flag is rooted in the evolution of its state seal, one of the oldest in the United States.

• The Original Seal (1639): The core design of the seal dates back to the Saybrook Colony in 1639. The original seal was more complex, featuring 15 grapevines and a hand holding a banner.

• Evolution of the Seal: Over the centuries, the seal was simplified. The number of grapevines was reduced to three to represent the three original settlements of Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield. The motto was also a key part of the seal from its inception, providing a constant link to the state's religious and colonial founders.

• Official Flag Adoption (1897): The formal adoption of the state flag as we know it today occurred in 1897. A push by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and other civic groups led the Connecticut General Assembly to officially establish the state banner, using the revered state seal on an azure blue field. This decision solidified a symbol that had been in informal use for years.

Historical Context and the State of Connecticut

The Connecticut flag is a living testament to the state’s pivotal role in American history. As one of the original 13 colonies and a key player in the American Revolution, Connecticut has a deep-rooted identity as a place of innovation and constitutional governance. The state is proudly known as "The Constitution State" in honor of the Fundamental Orders of 1639, a document considered by many to be the first written constitution in modern history. The flag's motto, "Qui Transtulit Sustinet," reflects this legacy of strong foundations and belief in a higher purpose, reminding residents of the values that have sustained the state for centuries.

Significance for Residents

For residents of Connecticut, the flag is a powerful symbol of their state's heritage and enduring values. It represents a proud and ancient history, a direct connection to the founders who established the state on principles of faith, prosperity, and self-governance. The flag embodies a sense of stability and resilience, a reminder that the state, like the grapevines on its seal, has flourished and will continue to be sustained by its foundational principles. It is a source of civic pride, reflecting both a reverence for the past and a commitment to the future.

Interesting Facts

• The state motto, "Qui Transtulit Sustinet," is one of the few Latin mottos among U.S. state flags and is a direct link to the state's Puritan founders.

• While the three grapevines represent the three original settlements, some historians suggest they may also symbolize the three primary branches of government: legislative, judicial, and executive.

• The flag's design, particularly the inclusion of the state seal on a blue field, was a popular choice that had been used informally by various state regiments and organizations for years before its official adoption in 1897.

• The wreath of oak and olive branches is a nod to both the physical landscape and the core values of the state. The oak is common to the region and is a symbol of strength, while the olive is an ancient symbol of peace.

• Connecticut is known as "The Constitution State" because its Fundamental Orders of 1639 are believed to have influenced the structure and principles of the U.S. Constitution.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.