In 1993, the Massachusetts Legislature adopted the Baked Navy Bean as its state bean symbol. Boston Cream Pie joined it in 1996 as the state dessert. Then in 1997, the Chocolate Chip Cookie was adopted as the state cookie symbol. Before these in 1986 the state made the Corn Muffin its state muffin symbol. The Boston Cream Donut became the state’s doughnut symbol in 2003. Food seems to be very important to this state for its symbols.
Animals are also represented in the state’s symbols. The Morgan Horse is the state’s symbol for the horse. This smaller breed of horse is native to Massachusetts. Bred by its namesake, Justin Morgan, this is a hard working muscular horse. They are used in driving, reining, cutting and dressage and do well against horses much larger. They are known for their gentle nature. Not surprising the state’s dog symbol is the Boston Terrier. This lively small dog comes in black, brindle or seal color with the distinguishing white markings. He comes with a short tail and bright eyes. He is known for his strength and being very determined. He rarely gives in to any event. The Tabby Cat is the state’s cat symbol.
Cranberries are the state berry symbol and the state beverage is the cranberry juice.
Cranberries have been grown commercially since the 1800’s and Cape Cod has had a growers coop since 1888, making it one of the oldest farmers organizations in the United States. Cranberries were first used by the native Americans in the region for food and dye, and for some medicinal purposes. Sailors carried the cranberries when they sailed to keep them from getting scurvy in the 1800’s. The first pilgrim’s writings include references to the cranberries. Cranberries do not grow in water; they are grown in beds made up of layers of sand, gravel, clay and peat. Massachusetts has about 14,000 acres devoted to the cultivation of cranberries.
The state dance symbol is the square dance. This dance is made up of groups of four couples that form a square when they line up to dance. The movements of the dancer is determined by and vocalized by a person known as a “caller”. The dance is traditional accompanied by western music. “Massachusetts” by Arlo Guthrie is the state’s folk song symbol.
The Black Capped Chickadee was adopted as the state’s bird symbol in 1941. They are found in northern United States and southern Canada. The Wild Turkey took its place as the official game bird. This large heavy feathered bird is seen in every state in the nation. The Wild Turkey is a game fowl and has its own hunting season.
Dinosaur Tracks are the state’s fossil symbol. Plymouth Rock is the state’s historic rock symbol. Plymouth Rock is the symbolic place where the pilgrims landed when they came to America.
Cod is the state’s fish symbol. And the Right Whale is its marine mammal. With only about 100 North Atlantic of these whales known it is very endangered.
