Coat of arms and flag of New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of the State of New Jersey |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Versions | |
Flag of the State of New Jersey
|
|
Great Seal of the State of New Jersey
|
|
| Armiger | State of New Jersey |
| Adopted | 1777 (modified 1928) |
| Crest | Upon a helm Or, a horse's head cabossed proper. |
| Torse | Argent and azure, the mantling azure doubled argent. |
| Blazon | Azure; per pale three ploughs proper. |
| Supporters | In dexter the goddess Liberty affronté carrying in her dexter hand a pole, proper, surmounted by a cap gules, with band azure at the bottom, displaying on the band six stars, argent; in sinister the goddess Ceres affronté bearing a cornucopia Or bearing apples, grapes, and plums proper |
| Motto | Liberty and Prosperity |
.jpg)
The coat of arms of the state of New Jersey is an important symbol. It shows what the state stands for. It includes a shield, a helmet, a horse's head, and two goddesses. A ribbon at the bottom displays the state motto and the year 1776.
This design was first created by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere in 1777. It was changed a little bit in 1928. You can see this coat of arms on the flag of New Jersey. It is also part of the state's official seal.
Contents
What the Coat of Arms Means
The New Jersey coat of arms has many parts. Each part has a special meaning.
The Shield and Plows
The main part is a shield. On the shield, there are three plows. Plows are tools used for farming. They show New Jersey's long history of agriculture. This is why New Jersey is often called the "Garden State."
The Helmet and Horse
Above the shield is a helmet. It faces forward. This helmet shows that New Jersey is a self-governing state. On top of the helmet is a horse's head. The horse is a symbol of strength and speed.
The Goddesses: Liberty and Ceres
Two goddesses stand on each side of the shield. They represent the state's motto: "Liberty and Prosperity."
- Liberty: On the left side is the goddess Liberty. She holds a staff with a special cap on top. This cap is called a Phrygian cap. It is a symbol of freedom. Liberty represents the idea of being free.
- Ceres: On the right side is the goddess Ceres. She is the Roman goddess of agriculture. She holds a cornucopia. This is a horn overflowing with fruits and vegetables. The cornucopia represents prosperity, meaning wealth and success.
The Motto and Date
At the very bottom, there is a ribbon. On this ribbon, you can read the state motto: "Liberty and Prosperity." Below the motto is the year "1776." This is the year New Jersey became a state.
New Jersey's Flag
The flag of the state of New Jersey has the state's coat of arms in the center. The background color of the flag is buff. Buff is a yellowish-tan color.
The colors of the flag have a historical reason. In 1779, George Washington ordered that the uniforms for New Jersey soldiers be dark blue. Their uniform facings, which are parts of the uniform, were buff. This buff color was usually only for generals. Later, in 1780, it was decided that the uniform facings should match the state flag's background color. This is why New Jersey's flag has a buff background.
The specific shades of blue and buff for the flag were officially defined in 1965.
