Louisiana State Flags

What Does The Louisiana State Flag Look Like?

The Louisiana state flag shows a white pelican supporting its hungry young by tearing at its breast and feeding them its own blood against a field of blue. Below the pelican flows a white banner with blue letters consisting of the state's slogan 'UNION, JUSTICE & CONFIDENCE’.'

What Does The Louisiana State Flag Represent?

The motherly image of a caring pelican originated from colonial times when early inhabitants believed that pelicans were generous and nurturing which they would undoubtedly feed their young in this way. This however is complete fallacy as although pelicans are known to be supporting, they would not compromise themselves to feed their offspring. Self-preservation is the norm in nature and pelicans are definitely no different to other animals or birds.

Louisiana is not the only state to base (inadvertently) their flags or signs on things that are not truth simply for the heroic symbolism. However, the pelican in its true nature may really be a fantastic symbol for Louisiana than even the more glamorized version. After all, it could well be said that Louisiana leaving the union and flying a flag of self-reliance prior to joining the confederate union was an act of self-preservation. The state isn't so far off the mark!

What Does The Louisiana State Flag Symbolize?

Louisiana state flags have blue fields that include a pelican feeding a nest of her chicks above a ribbon that shows the state slogan of Louisiana. 3 little drops of blood are on the pelican's chest. The emblem originates from the seal of Louisiana, and it reflects both the state's spiritual heritage and its origins as a French colony. The pelican's wings are outstretched so that she resembles a fleur-de-lis, which is a symbol of France that ultimately became a sign of Louisiana. The pelican is likewise a symbol of Christian piety and charity that has actually been utilized in the Catholic church considering that the medieval period.

What Do The Colors On The Louisiana State Flag Mean?

Louisiana state flag colors includes the color blue which signifies vigilance, truth and commitment, perseverance & justice and the color white is a sign of peace and sincerity.

Why Is There A Pelican On The Louisiana State Flag

According to the ancient laws of heraldry a pelican is a symbol of piety and virtue connected with the Holy Eucharist, also called Holy Communion. In heraldry, as in the Louisiana flag, a pelican does not have the large pouched beak of the natural bird. As a Christian sign the pelican also represents charity and self-sacrifice since it was thought that in times when food was limited, the noble Pelican would feed its young by piercing its own flesh and taking blood from itself to feed its chicks. The term utilized to explain this action is 'vulning'.

History of the Louisiana State Flag?

Louisiana began as a French nest, and during that time it was represented by the royal banner of the French king. Part of the state likewise spent time as a Spanish nest, which location used the banner of the Spanish king rather. They fell out of use when the United States purchased the Louisiana area, and Louisiana spent many years without a main flag. Many citizens used a main state flag of Louisiana that included the French flag with a ring of white stars in the canton.

The very first of the main Louisiana state flags entered usage after the state joined the Confederacy in 1861. It had thirteen alternating stripes of blue, white, and red with a red square that displayed a gold star in the canton. The earliest kind of the pelican flag entered unofficial use at the same time, and it stayed popular after completion of the Civil War. The state officially adopted a refined type of the design in 1912, although the initial pelican flag also remained in popular usage. The flag was supposed to feature three drops of blood on the pelican, however lots of flags lacked that function. The matter was clarified in 2006, and the flag reached its contemporary form after a couple of subtle changes were made in 2010.

When Was The Louisiana State Flag Adopted?

The existing Louisiana flag was officially embraced on November 22, 2010. Due to the many variations of flags utilized in between 1912 and 2006, the state of Louisiana passed a bill and made it necessary to consist of 3 drops of blood on the pelican. The formerly utilized flags did not have this element which is the element that identifies the present flag from other previously used flags.

The mother pelican is depicted as tearing flesh from her own breast to feed her 3 chicks. This is portrayed by 3 drops of blood exuding from the mom pelican. This element symbolizes the self-sacrifice amongst the Louisianan individuals. The pelican represents the state that might go to any extent to safeguard its individuals and land.

Prior to 2010, the flag did not depict the element of 'sacrifice' by the mother pelican. This was given the attention of the state by a student at Vandebilt Catholic High School. It was thought that when food was scarce, pelicans in their generous nature, would tear at their breasts to feed their blood to their chicks.