Stars and Stripes...Forever Illinois? A Not-So-Serious Look at the Illinois State Seal's Shield
Ah, Illinois. The Land of Lincoln, deep dish pizza, and...uh...intrigue surrounding the number of stars and stripes on its state seal's shield? That's right folks, because apparently, vexillology (the study of flags, for those not down with the fancy term) can get a little wild, even in the prairies.
So, how many stars and stripes are we talking about here? Don't worry, buckle up vexillology newbies, this isn't rocket surgery (although if it were, Illinois would probably have a rocket on its seal...just sayin').
The Big Reveal: It's 13, Not a Baker's Dozen
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For those of you who are counting at home (and we sincerely hope you are, because multitasking is a superpower), the shield on the Illinois state seal features a cool 13 stars and 13 stripes. Now, this might seem like a random number, but there's actually a bit of history behind it. These 13 represent the original 13 colonies that united to form the good ol' US of A. Basically, Illinois is giving a shoutout to its roots, saying, "Hey, we're part of the fam!"
Wait, There Was Almost a Star-Spangled Banner Situation?
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Believe it or not, Illinois almost went rogue in the flag design department. Back in 1918, for the state's centennial celebration, a proposed flag design featured a whopping 21 stars. Why 21? Well, Illinois was the 21st state to join the Union, so they were feeling a little celebratory (and maybe a touch numerical?). Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, and the classic design with the state seal on a white background won the day.
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Fun Fact: Bald Eagles Apparently Like Symmetry
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While we're on the topic of the state seal, let's not forget the majestic bald eagle perched on a rock, clutching the shield in its talons. It's like a mini-American history lesson in one feathered friend. But here's the thing: the eagle is all about balance, you see. With 13 stripes, it would have looked a little odd if there were, say, 12 stars or 14. So, 13 stars it is!
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
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| How Many Stars And Stripes On The Shield Of Illinois |
How To FAQs:
- How to impress your friends with your newfound Illinois state seal knowledge? Just casually drop the "13 stars and 13 stripes represent the original colonies" line at your next social gathering. Instant intellectual!
- How to avoid a vexillology debate at a party? Steer clear of people wearing obscure flag t-shirts. They might try to drag you into a discussion about the canton ratio of the Liechtenstein flag.
- How to design your own state seal for Illinois (because why not)? Think outside the box! Maybe a giant ear of corn holding a deep dish pizza, all while riding a unicycle. Just remember, keep it to 13 stars and stripes.
- How to tell the difference between the Illinois state seal and the national seal? The Illinois seal has a bald eagle holding a shield, while the national seal has a bald eagle holding arrows and an olive branch. So basically, Illinois' eagle is more of a shield guy, while the national eagle is ready for both war and peace.
- How to appreciate the beauty of vexillology? Just admire the creativity and symbolism behind flags and seals. They're more than just pieces of cloth; they're stories sewn together in thread and design.
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