Blue field with pelican in nest feeding chicks above motto ribbon.
Ratio: 2:3
A mother pelican tears at her breast to feed her young with her own blood, a medieval emblem of sacrifice adopted here as state symbol. Beneath, the motto: Union, Justice, Confidence. Against a simple blue field, it is strikingly tender, almost devotional.
Flag Symbolism & Meaning
pelican feeding young
Represents charity and self-sacrifice.
blood drops
Added in 2006 to emphasize sacrifice.
motto
‘Union, Justice, Confidence.’
Historical Timeline
1812
Louisiana admitted as 18th state.
1912
Flag officially adopted.
2006
Blood drops formally required in design.
Fascinating Facts
1
Pelican is Louisiana’s state bird and symbol of charity.
2
Flag is one of the few depicting an animal feeding its young.
For Students & Teachers
Key Learning Points (4-8)
Explain symbolism of pelican and blood drops.
Identify motto’s values.
State Information
- Population
- 4,657,757
- Area
- 52,378
- Founded
- 1812-04-30
- Region
- South