Shortly after 1776, states began to adopt their own official state seals, mottos, nicknames, animals, insects, trees, and much more, which are all used to symbolize and represent the uniqueness of each state that resides within the nation. The state seal of Louisiana can be seen below in all its glory.
So, what is the state seal meaning? The state seal of Louisiana was officially adopted in 1902, and the seal features a brown pelican tearing at its own breast in order to nurture for its young. Also making an appearance is the official state motto, “Union, Justice, Confidence”.
Meaning of Louisiana State Seal
The previous versions of Louisiana’s state seal has had up to 12 chicks featuring in a nest, which is rare for pelicans who only typically have 3 or less chicks per nest. Pelicans themselves are incredibly nurturing and caring parents, however, they do not go as far as to tear at their own flesh in order to feed their chicks when food is scarce.
The brown pelican is one of the biggest symbols used to represent the state of Louisiana, it is also the official state bird and appears on Louisiana’s state flag, state painting, and is one of the three symbols that appears on the Louisiana quarter.
Most states will have their seals showcase a relevant story, that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Pelican State is certainly no different.
Official U.S. Seal
The Louisiana State Seal is different to the official U.S. seal, and on June 20, 1782, the nation’s state seal was finally approved by the Continental Congress, after a committee was first created to design the seal on July 4, 1776. Nearly six years and four designs later, the U.S. seal uses an eagle that holds a scroll in its beak with the E Pluribus Unum motto; in one claw is an olive branch, a symbol of peace, and the other claw holds thirteen arrows, a symbol of war. The seal is used on many official documents and is separate and distinct of the seals that each U.S. state have.
