So you think you know about the Maine flag, just take this quick (4) question quiz. And I even threw in a 5th question for extra credit. Don't know all the answers, check them out below!
- What is on the Maine Coat of Arms?
- What is the word inscribed above the shield and what does it mean?
- Any other words found on the flag?
- What is the star above the shield and what does it mean?
- Extra Credit! What other State flag has the same star?
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| Sailor |
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| Farmer |
Not to give it away, but there are two men on the flag. A farmer and a sailor. The answer is right in front of everyone who wakes up and heads out the door (or tent or camper) to Maine soil. There is a rich agricultural and marine community that coexists. And on the flag, in fact, the farmer is a symbol of pride in Maine's agricultural roots as the sailor represents Maine's strong ties to the sea. Two men from separate worlds both stand over land and sea, not only using, cultivating, and enjoying the land, but also protecting it.
For those interested in the actual verbiage, here is what is says in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 1, Chapter 9.
TITLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
CHAPTER 9. SEAL, MOTTO, EMBLEMS AND FLAGS.
Subchapter 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
§206. State flag
Shield The flag to be known as the official flag of the State shall be of blue, of the same color as the blue field in the flag of the United States, and of the following dimensions and designs; to wit, the length or height of the staff to be 9 feet, including brass spearhead and ferrule; the fly of said flag to be 5 feet 6 inches, and to be 4 feet 4 inches on the staff; in the center of the flag there shall be embroidered in silk on both sides of the flag the coat of arms of the State, in proportionate size; the edges to be trimmed with knotted fringe of yellow silk, 2 1/2 inches wide; a cord, with tassels, to be attached to the staff at the spearhead, to be 8 feet 6 inches long and composed of white and blue silk strands. A flag made in accordance with the description given in this section shall be kept in the office of the Adjutant General as a model.
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How'd you do?!
Answer to question 1: What is in the Maine Coat of Arms?
- a pine tree,
- a moose,
- land
- sea
- a seaman with an anchor
- a farmer rests on a scythe (a hand-gardening tool to mow grass or reap crops)
"Dirigo" means "I Lead."
Answer to question 3: Any other words found on the flag?
MAINE!!!
Answer to question 4: What is the star above the shield and what does it mean?
The North Star. This star represents due North, as well as a guiding symbol for travelers for centuries.
Answer to question 5: Extra Credit! What other State flag has the same star?
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| North Star |
Conclusion: What does it all mean?
To me, the flag has a symbolism and rank that shows importance of not only place but also attitude. Starting from the bottom, the land they sit on is "Maine". The shield is a vista of land and sea, equal and coexisting. Standing over the shield, the farmer and seaman tend to these natural resources. And above it all, the North star shows Maine is due north, but also guided by a spirit of adventure and purpose. If you meet someone from Maine, tell me they are not this way!
