They are, of course, plows. Prosperity (represented by the goddess Fortuna) is holding a cornucopia, while Liberty is holding a Liberty cap. 3 plows because NJ was the 3rd state to join the Union. The horse head is obviously a nod to the primary State Contractor. The 6 bars on the helm signify the 6 bars per person ratio required by the state constitution (see previous reference to “plowed”).
It looks like someone lobbed a grenade in a pile of bad clipart. Same goes for ours too. And a few others… You know who you are!
Also, Washington? Can we get anymore literal?
South Carolina looks like something out of the middle-east.
The best flags are the most simple, like NM, AK, AL, and even TX… Although I can’t shake the feeling that’s supposed to be a reticle on a gunsight at the NM border patrol.
That’s awesome.
Oh yeah. I think you’re right. Garden State, blah blah blah.
Perhaps we should redesign the flag to better represent contemporary New Jersey. I think silenus is on the right track…
That’s the arms of Calvert quartered with Crossland, the honored and noble arms of the Lords Baltimore.
Perhaps America’s best state flag. Very distinctive.
Yes, if “best” were a synonym for “ugliest”, I’d agree with you.
Let’s face it, the state flags, as a whole, are pretty lame. The Japanese prefecture flags are waaaaay better.
No respect for heraldry! Maryland is probably the only state whose flag is registered with the English college of heraldry. (DC’s flag would be, too, as the noble and honorable arms of the Washington family.)
I wonder, however, if he suffers from the same problem as this fellow?
Yeh, most state flags are an exercise in this sort of dialogue,
“Hey all, let’s see how much obscure, symbolistic crap we can cram into one crest.”
“Totally, and don’t forget the latin! Lots of latin!”
“For sure! Wait – what about navy and red?!”
“Oh gawd, yes. Loooove navy and red. Can we get some more animals in there?”
“Are you kidding, we already have an elk, deer, beaver, eagle, snake, albatross, and some kind of large bovine. Hrmmm… Well, maybe there is room for some Indian or pioneer with a weapon.”
“A musket?”
“I don’t think Indian’s used muskets.”
“No, I was talking about the pioneer. And, Indian is not the preferred nomenclature. It’s Native American.”
“Whatever. Just give the bastard a musket.”
“But, we’re gonna need some stars too.”
“Just shove them in there around the Great Seal.”
“Deal…”
“Now what?”
“Well,”
“C’mon, ‘well’ what?”
“Well, I’m thinking a rising sun, over a river, with a horn of plenty, and some more of those Ind–err–Native Americans!”
“…”
[sheepishly] “No?”
“…are you kidding? It’s like you’re inside my head!”
[all in unison: SQUEEE!]
That’s what designed-by-committee gets you. GRRRrrrr.
Not if he fits the stereotype.
Oh, well that’s good then. Because that flag looks like a knight on horseback jousting with a NASCAR car.
Nice Beaver!
You forgot this one.
Your rugby team plays in here?
This was the most awesome whoosh in the history of whooshiness.
People, people, it’s only page three, and we’re already getting far, far off the main point of this thread, which is of course to make fun of aruvqan until he gives us a reason not to.
So what? Who cares about heraldry? Maryland’s flag is probably the only flag registered with the English College of Eye Bleeding, too.
Seriously. That was the most stupendous, colossal, amazing Whoosh ever! I am so happy to have popped in just to see that.
Texas wins. Hands down.
Followed by: Alaska, New Mexico, California (it’s got a BEAR!), Arizona, southern flags that tastefully reference the Stars and Bars, Oklahoma, most of the rest, blue flags with a seal, and the abomination from Maryland.