Do you know Indiana's official state symbols?
Do you know Indiana's official state symbols?
Each state in America boasts its own culture, history, and natural beauty. To represent such diversity, people from these states have chosen their own set of symbols and customs. Specific flags, songs, mottos, flowers, and even fruits commemorate the uniqueness of individual states. Some of these symbols border on the bizarre: Texas, for example, has made the Dutch oven its official state cooking pot. Other symbols are more universal, like state birds.
Many people remember learning about their states' history back in elementary school. But can you still remember your state bird? How about your state flower? To test your state knowledge, Stacker compiled a list of symbols in Indiana.
Clue: Indiana state fish
Clue: Indiana doesn't have a state fish, but one insect is held in high enough regard to represent the Hoosier state. It, too, almost didn't earn a title sanctified by legislation—until relentless pressure from a group of schoolchildren forced the state legislature's hand.
Answer: Indiana state fish
Answer: Say's firefly
Clue: Indiana state mammal
Indiana has no state mammal, but they could consider this one: A resident of rivers in the state, it has fur that repels water and can hold its breath up to eight minutes. Once designated as an endangered species in the state, it’s been removed from the list after a successful reintroduction project.
Answer: Indiana state mammal
- State mammal: None
- Proposed: River otter
Clue: Indiana state song
Indiana adopted what might be one of the saddest state songs in America. Paul Dresser, a native of Terre Haute, wrote the song and dedicated it to a 14-year-old girl he’d never met named Mary E. South. First published in 1897, the state officially adopted the song in 1913.
Answer: Indiana state song
- Answer: "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away"
Clue: Indiana state insect
This species uses bioluminescence to produce light from its lower organs, which is used to warn predators to stay away. It is about the length of a paperclip.
Answer: Indiana state insect
- State insect: Say's firefly (Pyractomena angulata)
Clue: Indiana state tree
Don’t be fooled by the state tree of Indiana: Although this tree’s common name invokes a popular flower, it is, in fact, a towering, fast-growing deciduous tree. Indiana’s historical state seal, designed in the 1800s, featured the distinctive leaf of this tree, and the tree’s blossom was Indiana’s official floral emblem until 1931, when the zinnia replaced it.
Answer: Indiana state tree
Answer: Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Clue: Indiana state bird
This cheerful species is known for being one of America’s favorite backyard birds. That popularity has no doubt contributed to its role as state bird for several states.
Answer: Indiana state bird
Answer: Northern cardinal
Clue: Indiana state flower
Replacing the zinnia flower in 1957, Indiana's current state flower comes in various forms and colors. Primarily used as ornamental plants, these scented flowers can be found in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white. Along with Indiana, these flowers are in a wide range of locations, including Asia, southern Europe, and western North America.
Answer: Indiana state flower
Answer: Peony
