Great Seal of the State of Louisiana

Design and elements

The principal components of the seal are straightforward and symbolic. At its core is the pelican motif: a larger adult bird with three smaller birds clustered nearby, arranged to suggest the adult providing nourishment. Around this scene are words that identify the state and express guiding principles:

• Central image: pelican feeding its young (a traditional heraldic symbol of self-sacrifice)
• Motto: "Union, Justice, Confidence" encircling the birds
• Outer legend: the wording indicating it is the "State of Louisiana"

Symbolism and historical context

The pelican as a symbol—often called the "pelican in her piety"—has medieval and Christian roots as an emblem of parental care and sacrifice. In Louisiana, the pelican imagery also connects to the brown pelican, a coastal bird long associated with the region. The motto expresses civic ideals and appears alongside the bird on flags, seals, and other official insignia.

Uses and variations

The Great Seal appears on official acts, executive proclamations, legislative materials, and many state publications. Artistic renderings vary: some reproductions emphasize a realistic bird, others favor a stylized or heraldic treatment. Despite these variations, the essential elements—the mother pelican, the three young, the motto, and the state legend—remain consistent.

Related emblems and notable facts

The seal is closely related to other state symbols, including the state flag and departmental logos that often repeat the pelican motif. For more detail on the history and legal use of Louisiana's seal, see resources about the State of Louisiana and the Great Seal. General information on the pelican motif and its symbolism can be found via links about the pelican and the state's motto, Union, Justice, Confidence.