Do you know Maine's official state symbols?
Do you know Maine's official state symbols?
Each state in America boasts its own culture, history, and natural beauty. To represent such diversity, people from these states have chosen their own set of symbols and customs. Specific flags, songs, mottos, flowers, and even fruits commemorate the uniqueness of individual states. Some of these symbols border on the bizarre: Texas, for example, has made the Dutch oven its official state cooking pot. Other symbols are more universal, like state birds.
Many people remember learning about their states' history back in elementary school. But can you still remember your state bird? How about your state flower? To test your state knowledge, Stacker compiled a list of symbols in Maine.
Clue: Maine state fish
Clue: Although this fish is a close relative of an ocean-dwelling species, it never quite makes it to the Atlantic—just as its name implies. Instead, it lives its entire life in freshwater lakes in Canada and the northern reaches of the United States.
Answer: Maine state fish
Answer: Landlocked salmon
Clue: Maine state mammal
Maine has two state mammals. One is the moose, and the other is a breed of one of the most common household pets. With a long coat and tufted paws that help it walk on snow, it developed naturally to deal with harsh Maine winters and they’re said to be surprisingly fond of water.
Answer: Maine state mammal
- State mammals: Moose, Maine coon cat
Clue: Maine state song
The Maine state song was written by Roger Vinton Snow, a fitting last name for a man famous for writing a song about a state known for its winters. The official state ballad is a new arrival, codified only in July 2019, and serves as a tribute to the 20th Maine Regiment's exploits at Gettysburg. Augusta resident Leo Pepin wrote the state march, which was officially enshrined in 2012.
Answer: Maine state song
- Answer:
--- State song: "State of Maine Song"
--- Ballad: "Ballad of the 20th Maine"
--- March: "The Dirigo March"
Clue: Maine state insect
This species has been studied closely by scientists, providing insights into social evolution, learning, and memory. It has adapted to its environment as it has spread across the globe, including forming winter clusters in cold climates and foraging more intensely in desert environments.
Answer: Maine state insect
- State insect: European honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Clue: Maine state tree
Maine is known as the “Pine Tree State,” so its state tree should be no surprise. The tree in question has been a key part of the state’s economy since Captain George Weymouth of the British Royal Navy brought samples back to England in 1605, and it was used by the state’s indigenous population before that.
Answer: Maine state tree
Answer: Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)
Clue: Maine state bird
Not unlike the state it represents, this sociable bird is small in size but big in personality. Its distinctive chattering can be heard deep in the woods as well as the suburbs.
Answer: Maine state bird
Answer: Black-capped chickadee
Clue: Maine state flower
Though not exactly a flower, what the state of Maine chose does carry historical and cultural significance. Coming from the largest conifer found in the state, the tree that this “flower” comes from is present in the state's flag, seal, quarter, and even nickname. Ultimately, Maine residents chose this over the goldenrod and the apple blossom.
