Louisiana State Flag

What Is the Louisiana State Flag?

The Louisiana state flag is the official banner representing Louisiana. A solid blue background covers the field. A white pelican stands in the center, feeding blood to three young birds in a nest.

The state motto Union Justice Confidence appears on a white ribbon below. This image has roots in Louisiana's colonial period. Government buildings and schools across Louisiana fly this flag.

Meaning of the Louisiana State Flag

The pelican represents self-sacrifice and devotion. Medieval legend claimed pelicans wounded their own breasts. They fed their young with blood during famine. This symbolism became associated with Christian sacrifice and parental care.

Louisiana adopted the pelican as a symbol of commitment to its citizens. The three chicks represent the people being nurtured. The blood dripping from the pelican's breast emphasizes sacrifice.

The motto Union Justice Confidence reflects Louisiana's political values. Union refers to loyalty to the United States. Justice represents fair governance. Confidence expresses trust in democratic institutions.

History of the Louisiana State Flag

Louisiana recognized its state flag in 1912. The legislature codified a design that had appeared on unofficial banners for decades. The pelican image traced back to 1803. Louisiana's territorial seal showed this symbol first. Pelican imagery appeared on military and civic banners during the 19th century, including during the Civil War. These designs influenced later state symbolism but were not formally adopted as official state flags.

The 1912 flag showed a pelican feeding three chicks. No visible blood drops appeared. No single designer is credited with the flag. The design emerged from existing state symbolism.

The legislature updated the flag in 2006. The revision required three drops of blood. This matched historical pelican symbolism. In 2010, lawmakers passed additional specifications. The pelican must appear in her vigilance. That's a heraldic term for the protective stance.

Previous Versions of the Louisiana State Flag

1912–2006

Original Pelican Flag

The first official Louisiana state flag adopted in 1912, showing a pelican feeding three chicks without visible blood.

2006–2010

Revised Pelican Flag

A revised version requiring three drops of blood to reflect traditional pelican symbolism.

2010–present

Current State Flag

The current official flag standardized by statute, depicting the pelican in her vigilance with three blood drops.

Symbols of the Louisiana State Flag

Louisiana Pelican

A white pelican dominates the flag's center. The bird stands in a nest with wings spread. She pecks at her breast, drawing blood to feed three chicks below.

This image comes from medieval Christian symbolism. European heraldry used the pelican in her piety as a symbol of sacrifice. Louisiana adopted the pelican as its state bird during the territorial period.

Brown pelicans are native to Louisiana's coastal regions. The bird became associated with state identity centuries before the flag was created. The 2010 revision specified the pelican should appear in her vigilance. That's a heraldic term for the protective stance shown on the flag.

State Motto

The motto Union Justice Confidence appears on a white ribbon below the nest. Louisiana adopted this motto in 1864 during the Civil War. Each word represents a core principle of state governance.

The motto replaced an earlier French phrase. English became the official language for state mottos after Louisiana rejoined the Union.

Blue Field

The blue background covers the entire flag. Louisiana chose blue to match colors used in other state flags. It demonstrates loyalty to the United States.

The shade of blue was standardized in 2010. Specifications require the same blue used in the United States flag.

Louisiana State Flag Colors

The flag uses blue, white, yellow, and red. Blue forms the field and matches the shade in the United States flag. White appears in the pelican and ribbon. Yellow colors the nest. Red represents the blood drops.

Louisiana State Flag Facts

• Louisiana adopted its state flag in 1912
• The pelican symbol dates to Louisiana's territorial period in 1803
• Three drops of blood were added to the design in 2006
• The flag was updated in 2010 to show the pelican in her vigilance
• The motto Union Justice Confidence was adopted in 1864
• Brown pelicans are native to Louisiana's coastal regions