As I am sure you are already aware, there are a total of 50 states in the United States of America. Each of these states has its own state government, state laws, state flag, etc. What you may not already know is that each state also has its own set of symbols, emblems, icons, motto, and more! Today I will tell you what all of these things mean and also give you some examples of state symbols, emblems, mottos, etc. Let’s begin by defining these terms.
symbol – a thing that represents or stands for something else, often a material object representing something abstract
emblem –a thing serving as a representation of a particular quality or concept (similar to a symbol)
icon – a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol
motto – a short sentence or phrase that represents the beliefs or ideals of an individual or institution
You may be surprised how many state symbols each American state has. Symbols, icons, and emblems, can range from things like birds to desserts. Most states have a state bird, but not all states have an official state dessert. Some of the other symbols states adopt may include a state: flower, tree, fruit, gem, stone, mammal, fish, dance, or song. But states also have symbols that may include a: snack, sport, breed of cat, beverage, or cartoon character. Crazy as it seems, to become an official state symbol, icon, or emblem, all of these items have to be voted on by the state legislature – just like the vote on passing laws!
Let’s take a look at some of the common state symbols, icons, emblems, and mottos and some of the odds ones out there too.
Alabama: This state’s official rock is marble. Marble from this state has been called the whitest marble in the world.
California: The California grizzly bear is this state’s official animal even though there are no California grizzlies left living in the state.
Delaware: Milk was designated the official state beverage of Delaware in 1983.
Hawaii: The yellow hibiscus (called pua aloalo in Hawaiian) is this state’s official flower.
New Hampshire: New Hampshire’s official state motto is “Live Free or Die.” This is a quote from a toast made by a hero of the American Revolutionary War who was from New Hampshire.
Maryland: Maryland was the first state to adopt an official sport. It is also the only state to ever name jousting* as its official state sport.
Nebraska: Kool-Aid is this state’s official drink. Kool-Aid was invented in 1927 in Hastings, Nebraska.
Utah: Utah has the highest per capita consumption of Jell-O not only in the US, but in the whole world. In 2001 Jell-O was named the state’s official snack for that reason.
Washington: Washington’s state song is appropriately named “Washington, My Home.”
*jousting = a medieval sport in which men engaged in a horseback fight with lances which are like long swords
