Do you know Massachusetts's official state symbols?
Do you know Massachusetts'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 Massachusetts.
Clue: Massachusetts state fish
Clue: The flaky, white fish in Massachusetts’ staple dish, fish and chips, often comes from this species. A central part of the state's heritage, the Puritans used it for both food and fertilizer.
Answer: Massachusetts state fish
Answer: Cod
Clue: Massachusetts state mammal
Massachusetts has a state marine mammal, the right whale, but its other official mammal is found closer to home—maybe even in your home. Like Maryland’s choice, it’s not a breed or species, but a common coat color. The law doesn’t define it specifically, but no need, because everyone recognizes this pattern of stripes.
Answer: Massachusetts state mammal
- State mammals: Right whale, tabby cat
Clue: Massachusetts state song
Massachusetts officially recognizes more than half a dozen pieces of music, and in 2018, a state lawmaker introduced a bill to add the song “Roadrunner” by Modern Lovers as the state’s official rock song. The current anthem, however, was dedicated in 1981 and was written by Arthur J. Marsh.
Answer: Massachusetts state song
- Answer:
--- State anthem: "All Hail to Massachusetts"
--- Folk song: "Massachusetts"
--- Ceremonial march: "The Road to Boston"
--- Patriotic song: "Massachusetts (Because of You Our Land is Free)"
--- Glee club song: "The Great State of Massachusetts"
--- Polka: "Say Hello to Someone from Massachusetts"
--- Ode: "Ode to Massachusetts"
Clue: Massachusetts state insect
This insect is widespread throughout the U.S. and U.K., where it now has to compete with the harlequin ladybird for food. The species’ distinctive color and spots can indicate its level of poison to predators.
Answer: Massachusetts state insect
- State insect: Seven-spotted ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata)
Clue: Massachusetts state tree
As a historically patriotic state, Massachusetts has a historically patriotic tree: George Washington is said to have taken on his command of the Continental Army beneath one of these trees on Cambridge Common in 1775. The tree was planted throughout American cities, and ecologists are currently fighting to restore populations decimated by a Dutch tree disease.
Answer: Massachusetts state tree
Answer: American elm (Ulmus americana)
Clue: Massachusetts state bird
This tiny bird has one of the most complex calls in the animal kingdom. It's also nonmigratory, similar to many of the citizens in this iconic state.
Answer: Massachusetts state bird
Answer: Black-capped chickadee
Clue: Massachusetts state flower
Sharing the same name as a famous sea vessel, this flower was chosen by Massachusetts schoolchildren in 1918. As a popular flower, it was over-collected to the point that it became illegal in 1925 to remove it from its natural setting. These small flowers bloom in clusters and give off a fragrant, “spicy” scent.
