Massachusetts State Flag

What Is the Massachusetts State Flag?

The Massachusetts state flag is the official banner representing Massachusetts. A white background covers the entire field. The state coat of arms sits in the center.

The coat of arms shows a Native American figure holding a bow and arrow. A blue shield with a white star stands beside the figure. A gold five-pointed star appears above. The Latin motto Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem curves on a blue ribbon below. Government buildings and schools across Massachusetts fly this flag.

Meaning of the Massachusetts State Flag

The flag represents Massachusetts through colonial-era symbolism adapted over centuries. The coat of arms combines imagery from the Massachusetts Bay Colony seal with later additions. The design emphasizes peace, freedom, and the commonwealth's historical foundations.

The Native American figure represents the indigenous peoples who inhabited Massachusetts before European settlement. The downward-pointing arrow symbolizes peace rather than conflict. This imagery appeared on the colony's seal as early as the 1600s.

The motto Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem translates to By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty. This phrase emphasizes that Massachusetts values peace but will defend freedom when necessary. The motto has appeared on Massachusetts symbols since 1775.

History of the Massachusetts State Flag

Massachusetts established its current flag in 1971. The legislature codified a design that had evolved over decades. Earlier versions of a white flag with the coat of arms appeared as early as 1908. The 1971 law formalized specifications and proportions.

The coat of arms itself traces to colonial times. The Massachusetts Bay Colony used a seal showing a Native American figure from the 1620s. That imagery carried forward through statehood in 1788. The shield, star, and motto were added in later modifications.

Before 1971, the flag had different designs on its reverse side. The back showed a blue shield with a green pine tree. This pine tree symbolized New England's timber industry and colonial resistance. After the Pine Tree Riot in 1772, the pine became an emblem of independence.

Previous Versions of the Massachusetts State Flag

1908–1971

Two-Sided Flag

Earlier flag versions featured the coat of arms on the front and a blue shield with a green pine tree on the reverse, symbolizing timber industry and colonial resistance.

1971–present

Current Single-Sided Flag

The current flag standardized in 1971 displays the coat of arms on both sides, eliminating the pine tree reverse design.

Symbols of the Massachusetts State Flag

Massachusetts Coat of Arms

The coat of arms dominates the flag's center. A Native American figure stands holding a bow in one hand and an arrow pointing downward in the other. The downward arrow symbolizes peace. The figure wears minimal clothing in a style drawn from European interpretations of indigenous peoples.

A blue shield stands beside the figure. A white star appears on the shield. This star represents Massachusetts as one of the original thirteen colonies. The same star motif appears in the blue canton of the United States flag.

A gold five-pointed star sits above the shield and figure. An arm holding a sword appears above in some historical versions, though modern designs vary. The Latin motto appears on a blue ribbon below the entire image.

State Motto

The motto Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem curves on a blue ribbon. This Latin phrase means By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty. Massachusetts adopted this motto in 1775 during the Revolutionary War.

The motto reflects the colonial commitment to independence. It acknowledges that force may be necessary to secure freedom. The phrase has appeared on Massachusetts seals and flags since the eighteenth century.

White Field

The white background covers the entire flag. White represents purity and simplicity in flag symbolism. Massachusetts chose white to create clear contrast with the blue and gold in the coat of arms.

The white field distinguishes Massachusetts from many other state flags that use blue backgrounds. Only a few states use white as their primary flag color.

Massachusetts State Flag Colors

The flag uses white, blue, gold, brown, and green. White forms the field. Blue appears in the shield and ribbon. Gold colors the star above the shield. Brown and green show in the Native American figure and natural elements.

Massachusetts State Flag Facts

• Massachusetts adopted its current state flag in 1971
• The coat of arms dates to colonial Massachusetts Bay Colony seals
• The Native American figure has appeared on Massachusetts symbols since the 1620s
• The motto was adopted in 1775 during the Revolutionary War
• Earlier flags featured a pine tree on the reverse side
• Massachusetts is one of few states using a white field