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flag of Louisiana
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flag of Louisiana State flag of Louisiana, 1912–2010.

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flag of Louisiana
flag of Louisiana U.S. state flag consisting of a blue field (background) featuring a pelican and its young in a nest above a ribbon emblazoned with the state motto, “Union justice confidence.” The flag has a width-to-length ratio of 2 to 3.

flag of Louisiana

United States state flag
Written by
Whitney Smith
Former Director, Flag Research Center, Winchester, Massachusetts. Author of Flags and Arms Across the World and others.
Whitney Smith
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

A pelican tearing at its breast to feed its young is the central emblem of the flag. Real pelicans never perform this activity, but from the Middle Ages this symbol has represented the spirit of self-sacrifice and dedication to progeny. In graphic form the image was found in many books, prints, and paintings, and it was traditionally recalled by early French settlers of Louisiana. As early as 1812 the pelican was used as a Louisiana...

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