Flag of Louisiana (US state)

The flag of the state of Louisiana is a deeply symbolic and historically significant banner. While the state seal itself has a long history, the flag's modern design, featuring the powerful image of a mother pelican, was officially adopted in 1912. A key detail was restored in 2010, reinforcing the flag's powerful message of self-sacrifice and state protection for its citizens. The Louisiana flag is a unique and poignant emblem that stands apart from many other state flags.

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Colors

The Louisiana state flag is a clean and striking design with a central emblem on a solid field.

• Colors and Arrangement: The flag's field is a solid azure blue, a color chosen to honor the state's French heritage and its long history as part of the French colonial empire.

• The Pelican in Her Piety: The central image is the state's official emblem, a white pelican feeding her young. This symbol, known as a "pelican in her piety," is a centuries-old metaphor for charity and self-sacrifice. The mother pelican is depicted tearing at her breast to feed her three chicks, a powerful image that symbolizes the state’s role in protecting its people and the citizens' duty to care for the community. The drops of blood on the pelican's chest were officially added in 2010, ensuring the symbol's full, traditional meaning was correctly represented.

• The Motto: Below the pelican is a white ribbon with the state's motto inscribed in blue letters: "UNION, JUSTICE, CONFIDENCE." This motto encapsulates the state's foundational values, emphasizing unity among its diverse population, the pursuit of justice, and trust in its government and people.

• Dimensions: While not explicitly defined by law, the flag is typically produced in a standard ratio of 2:3 or 3:5.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Evolution

The history of Louisiana's flag is intertwined with the history of the state seal, from which its central image is derived.

• Early Symbolism: The pelican symbol first appeared on the state's official seal in 1861, just before Louisiana seceded from the Union. This symbolism has been a consistent part of the state's identity ever since.

• Adoption of the Flag (1912): The flag design featuring the pelican on a blue field was officially adopted by the Louisiana Legislature in 1912.

• The 2010 Revision: A significant moment in the flag's history occurred in 2010. A legislative act was passed to update the flag's design to be more accurate and consistent with its historical symbolism. The law mandated that the pelican be depicted with the traditional three drops of blood on her breast. This change was prompted by a high school student who noticed the omission and brought it to the attention of a state representative. This revision ensured that the powerful message of the "pelican in her piety" would be preserved and correctly displayed.

Historical Context and the State of Louisiana

The Louisiana flag is a unique blend of European and American symbolism. The blue field is a clear nod to the French flag, acknowledging the state's deep cultural ties to its colonial past and the Louisiana Purchase. The pelican, while a native bird of the region, is represented through a medieval European symbol of piety and sacrifice. This unique combination perfectly encapsulates Louisiana's rich and diverse heritage, a melting pot of French, Spanish, African, and American cultures. The flag serves as a proud and unifying symbol for a state with a truly one-of-a-kind identity.

Significance for Residents

For the residents of Louisiana, the flag is a powerful emblem of their shared values. The pelican represents more than just the state bird; it embodies a commitment to community, family, and mutual care. The image of the mother pelican caring for her young is a deeply moving metaphor for the state’s role as a protector of its people, particularly during times of hardship. The motto, "UNION, JUSTICE, CONFIDENCE," further reinforces a sense of shared purpose and resilience. The flag serves as a reminder of the state’s rich and distinct cultural heritage, a source of pride for its citizens.

Interesting Facts

• The Brown Pelican is the official state bird of Louisiana. The state is also nicknamed "The Pelican State."

• The pelican tearing at its own breast to feed its young is an old Christian symbol of the Eucharist and Christ's sacrifice, a metaphor that was adopted by Louisiana's early Catholic settlers.

• The 2010 revision of the flag was a direct result of a high school student's observation and initiative. The student, named John M. O'Neal, noticed the absence of the blood drops and brought it to the attention of a state legislator, leading to the new law.

• The motto "Union, Justice, Confidence" was adopted as part of the state seal in 1902 and has remained on the flag since its inception.

• The azure blue field of the flag is a direct color tribute to the French Tricolor, the national flag of France, which once ruled the vast Louisiana Territory.

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