Each state in the United States of America is unique. The people and legislature of Louisiana have selected the following state symbols to represent their state's individual environment and culture.
![[Image of The Louisiana State Seal]](/media/graphics/state-seals/louisiana-seal.png)
The seal consists of a heraldic charge called a "pelican in her piety," representing a Brown Pelican (the Official State Bird) representing a mother pelican wounding her breast to feed her young from her own blood. This symbol, emblematic of charity, is also found on the Louisiana state flag.
The Louisiana state motto of "Union, Justice, Confidence" surrounds the birds on the state seal. An outer ring further identifies it with the words "State of Louisiana".
Though pelicans are exceptionally attentive, nurturing parents, they do not tear at their own flesh to feed offspring in hard times.
![[Image of The Louisiana State Flag]](/media/graphics/state-flags/louisiana-flag.png)
The design consists of the pelican group from the state seal, in white and gold, and a white ribbon bearing the state motto, "Union, Justice, and Confidence", on a field of a solid blue.
