On a field of deep blue, a baroque white shield bearing three grapevines. Beneath, a banner reads Qui Transtulit Sustinet — “He who transplanted sustains.” It recalls the colony’s early settlers and their resilience, the vines thriving as they did in new soil.
Blue field with central white shield bearing three grapevines and motto ribbon.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag Statute
azure blue, charged with an argent white shield of rococo design, having in the center three grape vines, supported and bearing fruit in natural colors. The bordure to the shield shall be in two colors, gold on the interior and silver on the exterior, adorned with natural-colored clusters of white oak leaves (Quercus alba) bearing acorns. Below the shield shall be a white streamer, cleft at each end, bordered by a band of gold within fine brown lines, and upon the streamer in dark blue block letters shall be the motto 'QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET'; the whole design being the arms of the state.
Source: 2024 Connecticut Code, § 3-107 (2024)
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Based on colonial seal
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- None listed
- Design type
- State seal on field
- Complexity
- 7/10
- Readability
- 5/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Three Grapevines
Represent the first three settlements.
Motto
‘Qui Transtulit Sustinet’ translates as ‘He who transplanted still sustains.’
Design Breakdown
The Connecticut flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: Blue field with central white shield bearing three grapevines and motto ribbon.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Only state flag featuring grapevines as the main symbol
- One of the few state flags with a Latin religious motto
- Directly derived from the state seal
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Deep historical symbolism
- Strong connection to colonial heritage
- Distinctive grapevine imagery
Common criticism
- Includes text and Latin motto
- Low visibility at distance
- Complex seal-based design
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the Latin motto
- Simplify the grapevine imagery
- Adopt a non-seal-based design
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Connecticut state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Translate and explain state motto.
- Identify grapevine symbolism in state history.
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
Grapevines
Three grapevines bearing purple grape clusters on a blue shield.
Attributes: Three grapevines, Purple grape clusters
Meaning: The original three Connecticut settlements and prosperity through agriculture
Shield
A blue heraldic shield centered on a white field.
Attributes: Blue shield, White background
Meaning: Stability, endurance, and historical continuity
Motto
A white banner beneath the shield reading 'QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET'.
Attributes: Latin text, Flowing ribbon banner
Meaning: He who transplanted still sustains, expressing faith and perseverance
Historical Timeline
Colonial seal origins.
Current flag adopted.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State seal on field
Complexity: 7/10
Readability: 5/10
Fascinating Facts
One of the few flags with a Latin motto prominently displayed.
Connecticut is known as the Constitution State for its early governance model.
The Latin motto 'Qui Transtulit Sustinet' means 'He Who Transplanted Still Sustains.'
The three grapevines symbolize the original Connecticut colonies.
The shield is set on a blue field representing loyalty and justice.
The flag design evolved from the state seal.
The current flag was officially adopted in 1897.
Connecticut’s flag is one of the oldest continuously used state flag designs.
State Information
- Population
- 3,605,944
- Area
- 5,543
- Founded
- 09 Jan 1788
- Region
- Northeast
