Importance of the Colonial New York Flag
The New York State flag is a modified version of a flag that was adopted by the colony of New York in 1778, during the Revolutionary War. The flag remains essentially the same as it did in late colonial times, with the exception of the color of the field, which was altered in the early 20th century. It has six major symbolic elements, which denote the state's history, significance to domestic and global commerce and dedication to freedom and justice.
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Description
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The New York flag is a blue field with a coat of arms, known as the Great Seal of the State of New York. The seal features six major elements: a shield, a white ribbon, two women who represent Liberty and Justice, a globe of the world and an American bald eagle perched on it. It is based on a colonial-era flag that was adopted in 1778. The original flag had a field of yellow-brown. The state legislature changed it to blue in 1901. The original flag is part of the collection of the Albany Institute of History and Art.
The Shield
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The shield shows a sun rising over three mountains, with two ships in the foreground. The water is the Hudson River, and the ships (a three-masted, square-rigged ship and a Hudson sloop), represent both domestic and international commerce.
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The Globe and Eagle
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The globe is oriented to show the Atlantic Ocean, on which so much commerce came to New York City's harbor. The eagle is perched atop the globe. The national bird of the United States, the eagle has its wings spread and is looking to its right, considered a good omen.
The Ribbon
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A white ribbon runs along the bottom of the coat of arms. It features the word "Excelsior", Latin for "higher," "superior" or "lordly." In the context of the flag, it is translated as "Ever Upward."
Justice
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To the right of the shield stands the figure of a woman who represents Justice. Her appearance is typical: She is blindfolded and holding a sword in one hand and a scale in the other. These objects are supposed to represent her fairness and impartiality.
Liberty
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Another woman, representing Liberty, stands to the left of the shield. A crown sits at her feet, which represents the country's rejection of the British monarchy. She is holding a staff with a Phrygian cap, which was given to freed slaves in the Roman Empire.
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References
- Photo Credit New York State
