Originally, in 1901, the Maine state flag consisted of a green pine tree, symbol of New England n the center, with a blue “North Star” all on a buff-colored background.

The current flag of the State of Maine, approved by the Maine legislature on Feb. 23, 1909, features the state coat of arms on a blue field. In the center of the shield, a moose rests beneath a tall pine tree. A farmer and seaman represent the traditional reliance on agriculture and the sea by the state. The North Star represents the state motto: Dirigo (“I Lead”).

There are no official colors for the coat of arms, so variations in colors can be seen in flags from different manufacturers. The blue field, however, is specified to be the same blue as in the flag of the United States. According to the official description, the flag should have a fringe of yellow silk and should have a blue and white silk cord attached at the spearhead. These embellishments are very rarely observed.

The State of Maine also has several official symbols, a few of which may not be familiar. They include:

. State Animal: Moose

. Berry: Blueberry

. Beverage: Moxie

. Bird: Chickadee

. Cat: Maine Coon Cat

. Dessert: Blueberry pie

. Fish: Atlantic salmon

. Flower: White Pine Cone

. Fossil: Pertica quadrifaria

. Herb: Wintergreen

. Insect: Honey Bee

. Motto: Dirigo (“I Lead”)

. Soil: Chesuncook

. Song: “State of Maine” by Roger Vinton Snow

. Treat: Whoopie pie

. Tree: Eastern White Pine

. Vessel: “Bowdoin”

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Photograph and information from various Internet sources.