A white field with a blue shield: an Algonquin figure holding a bow, a star above. An arm brandishes a sword as crest, while the motto proclaims By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty. Spare in colour, weighty in meaning.
White field with coat of arms and motto ribbon.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Based on colonial arms
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- None listed
- Design type
- State seal with heraldic crest
- Complexity
- 8/10
- Readability
- 4/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Native American Figure
Represents the people of Massachusetts.
Star
Signifies Massachusetts as one of the original states.
Motto
‘Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem’ means ‘By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.’
Design Breakdown
The Massachusetts 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: White field with coat of arms 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 a separate heraldic crest above the shield
- Uses one of the longest Latin mottos on a U.S. state flag
- Strongly rooted in Revolutionary-era ideology
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Strong historical and ideological symbolism
- Distinctive arm-and-sword crest
- Clear Revolutionary-era messaging
Common criticism
- Includes text and Latin motto
- Highly detailed imagery
- Low legibility at distance
- Complex cultural symbolism
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the Latin motto
- Reconsider or update Indigenous imagery
- Adopt a simpler, text-free design
Notable proposals
- Massachusetts flag redesign commission concepts
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Massachusetts state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Interpret Massachusetts’s motto.
- Discuss history of pine tree in early flags.
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
Native Figure
A Native American figure holding a bow and arrow on a blue shield.
Attributes: Algonquian man, Bow and arrow pointed downward
Meaning: Representation of the Indigenous peoples of Massachusetts and a gesture of peace
Star
A single white star placed near the figure’s head.
Attributes: Five-pointed white star
Meaning: Massachusetts as one of the original thirteen states
Arm And Sword
A blue arm holding a sword positioned above the shield.
Attributes: Armoured arm, Curved sword
Meaning: Readiness to defend liberty and justice
Motto
A ribbon bearing the Latin motto 'Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem'.
Attributes: Latin text
Meaning: By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty
Historical Timeline
Massachusetts admitted as 6th state.
Modern flag design confirmed.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State seal with heraldic crest
Complexity: 8/10
Readability: 4/10
Fascinating Facts
One of few state flags depicting a Native American.
The reverse side of earlier flags once showed a pine tree.
The figure represents an Algonquian Native American holding a bow.
The arrow points downward as a symbol of peace.
The blue shield sits on a white field.
The state motto appears on a ribbon beneath the shield.
The motto 'Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem' means 'By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.'
The current single-sided design was standardized in 1971.
State Information
- Population
- 7,029,917
- Area
- 10,565
- Founded
- 06 Feb 1788
- Region
- Northeast
