State Symbols, Seals and Emblems

Beverage: Milk

Bird: Cardinal

Boat: Chesapeake Bay Deadrise

Dog: Foxhound

Fish: Brook Trout

Flag: The flag of Virginia contains the state seal in a field of blue. It was first used in the 1830s but not officially adopted until 1930.

Floral Emblem: Dogwood

Folk Dance: Square Dancing

Insect: Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Seal: The great seal of Virginia is circular.In the center is a figure of Virtus, the goddess of virtue, dressed as a warrior.She holds a spear in her right hand, with its point held downward touching the earth. In her left hand is a sheathed sword pointing upward.Her left foot rests on the chest of the figure of tyranny, who is lying on the ground. Above the figure is the word "Virginia," and under the figures is the state motto "Sic Semper Tyrannis" or "Thus Always to Tyrants." The seal, designed by George Wythe, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was first adopted in 1776 and modified in 1930.

Shell: Oyster