General General 4 min read

Behind the banners

11 U.S. state flags and their hidden meanings

Image: Drei Kubik

Flags are more than mere symbols—they tell stories, capturing the history, pride, and values of each state they represent. Every element, from colors to symbols, was thoughtfully chosen to convey a message tied to the spirit of the state. Join us on a journey across the country as we explore 11 unique state flags and the rich stories behind them.

1
Texas

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Also known as the Lone Star, Texas’ flag features a single star on a vertical blue stripe, representing the state’s strong independent spirit. The red stripe represents courage, while the white stripe stands for purity.

In fact, the current design was adopted in 1839 during the Republic of Texas, echoing the state's history as an independent republic before joining the Union in 1845.

2
California

Image: Lesli Whitecotton

California's flag features a grizzly bear, a symbol of strength and independence. The star represents California's status as a republic in 1846 during the Bear Flag Revolt, and the red stripe signifies courage.

Interestingly, the bear depicted on the 1911 version of the flag is said to have been inspired by the last California grizzly bear held in captivity.

3
Arizona

Image: Denisse Leon

Arizona’s flag features a golden star surrounded by red and gold rays, symbolizing both the state’s arid landscape and copper mining industry. The blue and red colors are the same shade used on the flag of the United States.

The star commemorates Arizona’s statehood, achieved in 1912, while the thirteen rays symbolize the original Thirteen Colonies.

4
Colorado

Image: Courtney Cook

Colorado’s flag features blue, white, red, and yellow with a bold "C" encircling a golden disk. The blue symbolizes the sky, gold represents the state’s abundant sunshine, white the snowcapped Rockies, and red the "ruddy" earth.

The gold and white elements also honor Colorado’s gold and silver mining industries. Officially adopted in 1911, the flag stands as a tribute to the state’s natural beauty and pioneering heritage.

5
Florida

Image: Karl Callwood

Florida’s flag features a red cross with the state seal at the intersection. The cross represents the state's Spanish heritage, as it was originally founded by Spanish explorers.

The seal depicts a shoreline where a Seminole woman spreads flowers. While some suggest the woman represents the historical heroine Milly Francis, there is no evidence to support this theory. A Sabal palm and a steamboat complete the scene, reflecting Florida's vibrant scenery.

6
Maryland

Image: Gary Cole

Maryland’s flag stands out with its bold black and gold pattern, divided into quarters. The design incorporates elements from the family crest of the Calverts, the state’s founding family.

During the colonial era, Maryland used only the gold and black Calvert arms. The colors fell out of use after American independence but were reintroduced in 1854.

7
South Carolina

Image: Kelly

South Carolina’s flag features a white palmetto tree on a blue field, with a crescent moon beside it. The roots of this design have existed in some form since 1775, being based on one of the first American Revolutionary War flags.

An early version of this flag, known as the Moultrie Flag, was famously flown during the defense of a fortress on Sullivan's Island against the British fleet. The palmetto tree was later added as a symbol of the island’s successful defense.

8
Tennessee

Image: Brandon Hooper

Tennessee’s flag features three stars arranged in a triangular pattern, symbolizing the three regions of the state —East, Middle, and West Tennessee. The red, white, and blue colors align with the state’s commitment to unity and its place in the Union.

The current version, designed by Colonel Le Roy Reeves, was adopted in 1905. However, an earlier version already aimed to represent the state's three distinct regions with three slanted bars of red, white, and blue.

9
Hawaii

Image: little plant

Hawaii’s flag is unique among U.S. state flags. It features a Union Jack in the upper left corner, reflecting the historical ties between Britain and the Hawaiian Kingdom. It was first adopted in the early 19th century by the Kingdom of Hawaii and retained when the state joined the U.S. in 1959.

The eight horizontal stripes represent the eight main islands of Hawaii: Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Niʻihau.

10
Indiana

Image: Lucas Beck

Indiana’s flag features a large gold torch, with 19 smaller stars surrounding it, representing Indiana's status as the 19th state to join the Union. The torch symbolizes enlightenment and the path to progress.

Adopted in 1917, the flag’s design was chosen through a contest offering a cash prize. The winning design, created by Paul Hadley of Mooresville, Indiana, was selected as the official flag with only minor modifications.

11
Maine

Image: Aubrey Odom

Maine’s flag features a shield with a pine tree at its center, flanked by a farmer and a sailor, representing the state’s agricultural and maritime heritage. The North Star above the shield symbolizes guidance and Maine’s motto, "Dirigo," meaning "I Lead."

The pine tree is a nod to Maine’s nickname as the Pine Tree State. Adopted in 1909, the flag’s design emphasizes Maine’s strong connection to its natural resources.

General General 5 min read

What are the most essential traditional folk songs? 10 contenders

Image: Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Traditional folk music, with its origins deeply rooted in American history and tradition, is a treasure that has endured through the centuries. This form of musical expression has left an indelible mark on our culture, and its legacy is evident in a wide variety of modern musical genres. In this article, we bring back 10 traditional folk songs that not only influenced great artists such as Bob Dylan but also continue to inspire listeners today.

1
John Henry

Image: Ylanite Koppens

John Henry is one of the greatest heroes of American folklore, so it is not surprising that several songs celebrate his deeds. The legend of his battle with the steam drill symbolizes humanity’s struggle against automation and technological change, inspiring countless tunes.

There are many musical versions of John Henry’s story: some are ballads, while others are "hammer songs" (a type of song related to railroad work). Whatever the genre, all of these traditional songs are so good that the best American musicians have recorded them multiple times over the years.

2
Oh My Darling, Clementine

Image: Angshu Purkait

There are multiple variations of this song, but it is believed to have been written by Percy Montrose in 1883. The melody may be older and possibly inspired by a Spanish ballad , while the lyrics likely emerged sometime after the Gold Rush era.

Over the years, several verses were added and numerous versions were recorded, such as Bing Crosby's in the 1940s and Bobby Darin's in the 1960s. Despite its age, "Clementine" remains a popular song for group singing all across America.

3
In the Pines

Image: Priscilla Du Preez

Like numerous other folk songs, the lyrics and melody of "In the Pines" were passed down orally from generation to generation, and its original author remains unknown. What we do know is that it dates back to at least the 1870s and likely originated in the Southern Appalachian region.

The structure of this unique, moody, blues-style song, as we know it today, has mutated over the years, merging with other tunes. The important thing is that "In the Pines" has become a staple of American music, being recorded by numerous artists, including Bill Monroe, Lead Belly, and even grunge band Nirvana.

4
Worried Man Blues

Image: LunarSeaArt

When hillbilly singers came into contact with African American blues, songs like "Worried Man Blues" began to emerge. The verses were likely inspired by the story of someone sentenced to work on a chain gang.

The song may have roots in a 19th-century African American spiritual , but it became widely known after the Carter Family recorded it in the 1930s, giving it a strong foothold in the country and early bluegrass repertoire. Decades later, folk revivalists adopted the tune, ensuring its place as a classic of American folk music.

5
Oh Shenandoah

Image: Matheus Ferrero

Although the exact origin of this folk song is uncertain, we know that it was sung as a river shanty in the 19th century, especially by American and Canadian fur traders traveling down the Missouri River.

The word Shenandoah is connected to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, though its precise meaning is debated. Some suggest it derives from an Iroquois word meaning "land of big mountains" or "daughter of the stars." Some versions of the song tell the story of a redskin chief, Shenandoah, and his beautiful daughter. According to the legend, a white trader eloped with the maiden after silencing the chief with firewater.

6
Oh! Susanna

Image: ClickerHappy

"Oh! Susanna" is often considered the first big hit in American popular music. It became especially famous among the '49ers during the California Gold Rush and became an emblem of the conquest of the West.

With influences from European polka music and earlier traditional folk songs, "Oh! Susanna" was published in 1848 by Stephen Foster, later nicknamed the "Father of American Music." Many artists recorded different versions over the years, including The Big 3, The Byrds, and James Taylor.

7
Red River Valley

Image: Priscilla Du Preez

It is common for folk songs to be adapted to different regions , and this tune is no exception. Over the years, it has been named and renamed for many different valleys and locales. Most 20th-century versions use the title "Red River Valley" and, by implication, place it along the Red River that forms part of the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma.

However, some evidence suggests that the original version actually dates to around 1870 in Canada, near the Red River that flows into Lake Winnipeg. In that version, the lyrics tell of a French-Indian maiden lamenting the departure of a soldier who had come, stayed briefly, and then left. For Americans, though, the song is most closely associated with cowboys and the Red River of the South.

8
Man of Constant Sorrow

Image: Wilawan Pantukang

The origin of this southern mountain song is somewhat obscure. It is absent from most of the major standard collections, but some experts believe it might have been inspired by the 19th-century hymn "I Am a Poor Pilgrim of Sorrow."

Although numerous versions with different names and lyrics have circulated since at least the early 20th century, "Man of Constant Sorrow" was popularized by the Stanley Brothers in the 1950s. Soon after, musicians such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Judy Collins recorded their own interpretations, helping to cement its place as a classic of American folk music.

9
Home on the Range

Image: Jeremy Bishop

One of the best-known cowboy and Western songs, "Home on the Range," has long been the subject of disputes regarding its authorship. The most widely held theory is that it was inspired by a poem called "My Western Home," written by Dr. Brewster Higley in the 1870s. The well-known American composer David W. Guion claimed to have composed the music, stating that he wrote it at the age of 16, influenced by his life in West Texas.

"Home on the Range" enjoyed great popularity in the 1930s through radio broadcasts and recordings during the cowboy-song fad. Since 1947, it has been Kansas’s official state song.

10
Michael, Row the Boat Ashore

Image: Blind Rhino Media

Folk song revivalists discovered "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore" in the Georgia Sea Islands and passed it around widely and fervently. The tune blends spiritual, calypso, and sea-song styles, and it likely originated as both a spiritual and a work song sung by enslaved crews on plantation riverboats.

The name Michael refers to the Archangel Michael, and the song was likely used when the load was heavy or the boat was going against the tide. In the 1960s, it was popularized by folk band The Highwaymen and was also recorded by other artists such as Pete Seeger, Bob Gibson, and Harry Belafonte, among others.

History History 6 min read

LOOK HOW FAR THEY CAME!

These 10 Hollywood Stars Got Their Start Working These Regular Jobs!

Image: Carol Highsmith's America

We all remember our very first job —whether it was a part-time gig or an odd job—that helped us learn about responsibility, and time management, while still allowing us to save up a few bucks for the future. These entry-level positions are usually very demanding and require hard work, but they ultimately help us develop our resilience in the promise of greater things. In fact, an argument could be made that these 10 Hollywood legends featured in this article were deeply shaped in some way or another through the skills they learned in these side jobs. We hope the stories of these actors and actresses inspire you as much as they inspired us. Enjoy!

1
Harrison Ford - Carpenter

Image: Hunter Haley

Before the world got to know him as Han Solo or Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford was a struggling actor dissatisfied with the roles being offered to him. To support his wife and his two young sons, Ford started learning carpentry and worked as a professional carpenter for several years.

Had history taken a different turn and Harrison not achieved the stardom he deserved, we are sure he would have still managed to build an extremely impressive business. Fortunately for us, casting director Fred Roos introduced him to George Lucas, and the rest is history.

2
Rachel McAdams - McDonald’s

Image: Jurij Kenda

There’s a slim chance that in 2004, someone went into a movie theater to watch that summer’s blockbuster The Notebook and yelled, "Hey! That girl sold me a Big Mac once!" And, as crazy as it sounds, they wouldn’t be wrong: after all, Rachel McAdams did work at her local McDonald’s while attending high school.

As it turns out, McAdams was quite an overachiever during her teenage years. Although she wasn’t particularly interested in her school subjects, she was remarkably active in student life, playing several sports and participating in her student council. Not only that, she was an exceptional figure skater, competing until she turned 18.

3
George Clooney - Insurance salesman

Image: Scott Graham

Surely, the insurance firm George Clooney worked for must have been sorry to see him go. Can you honestly think of a more charming door-to-door salesman than him? Before landing his first major role in 1984, Clooney worked many odd jobs that included selling women's shoes, cutting tobacco, and working in construction. Not only that, he even attempted to become a professional baseball player and tried out for the Cincinnati Reds, but didn’t make it past the first round of player cuts.

Clooney landed his first role in a CBS comedy named, of all things, E/R . This show shouldn’t be confused with the now iconic medical drama ER , on which Clooney played Dr. Doug Ross for five seasons. A few years after his debut on this show, he starred in his first breakthrough role, the 1996 film From Dusk Till Dawn .

4
Jennifer Anniston - Bike Messenger

Image: Florian Kurrasch

Do you think that, during her years as a bike messenger, Jennifer Anniston wore a special helmet to keep her soon-to-be world-famous "Rachel" haircut intact? Probably not, since this stint happened years before her big break starring as Rachel Green in the groundbreaking sitcom Friends . However, thinking that this struggling actor was aware of the great future ahead of her is still an encouraging thought we’d like to hold on to.

Much like her character in Friends , Aniston worked a number of part-time jobs before her big break. Besides her aforementioned job as a bike messenger, she worked as a telemarketer and a waitress. She also had several small roles before Friends , which included the 1993 horror film Leprechaun .

5
Christopher Walken - Circus

Image: Becky Phan

From his strange dancing to his magnetic presence, Christopher Walken is no stranger to eccentricity. This iconic actor is known for his strange yet captivating mannerisms, which have resulted in a myriad of nominations and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. In that sense, it stands to reason that such a unique actor landed his first job in an equally unique place.

As a teenager, Christopher Walken worked in a circus as a lion tamer trainee. Much like with Harrison Ford, should history have been different, we are confident that Walken would have made a superb lion tamer, dazzling big cats with his delightfully odd ways.

6
Steve Carell - Mailman

Image: Ethan Hoover

For many Americans, our mail carrier is almost another neighbor, that familiar face that always greets us with a big smile and often takes those extra 5 seconds to wish us a good day. For a brief period in the ‘90s, some lucky residents of Littleton, Massachusetts had actor Steve Carell delivering their mail. We can be sure that these citizens began their days with a big laugh from this all-around comedian.

Granted, Carell wasn’t particularly good at his job as a USPS mail carrier. He left after seven months, partly because his boss told him that he needed to be faster. Regardless, shortly after quitting, Carell got his TV start in the 1996 short-lived series The Dana Carvey Show.

7
Melissa McCarthy - Starbucks

Image: kevs

At age 20, Melissa McCarthy left her hometown of Plainfield, Illinois to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. After a few years in New York City, she moved to Los Angeles hoping to make it in "La La Land." What followed were years of resilience and casting calls for this struggling actor, which were supported by part-time jobs in the local YMCA and as a barista at Starbucks.

Thankfully, McCarthy’s efforts paid off, her first break came with a recurring role in the 2000 drama Gilmore Girls . Not only that but she was catapulted into stardom after her role in the 2011 comedy Bridesmaids, which eventually turned her into one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.

8
Ken Jeong - Doctor

Image: Online Marketing

If there’s one thing you’ll often see while flipping channels on your TV, is actors and actresses playing doctors, and for good reason. Medical dramas are extremely successful, in large part due to their compelling casts. However, seeing a doctor-turned actor playing a doctor is a rare sight (and a refreshing one at that), which is exactly what happened with Ken Jeong’s performance in the 2007 film Knocked Up .

Jeong is a fully licensed doctor, specializing in internal medicine, although he chose to stop practicing after becoming an actor. While working as a physician in Los Angeles, he began performing in comedy clubs, which led to some TV appearances. His big break occurred with the 2009 comedy The Hangover , which eventually led to a main role in the NBC sitcom Community .

9
Sandra Bullock - Bartender

Image: Daniel L

Can you imagine going to your local bar and being handed your drink by none other than Miss Congeniality herself? Well, if you lived in New York City in the late ‘80s then there’s a pretty good chance Sandra Bullock mixed your cocktails.

After receiving her BFA in Drama from East Carolina University in 1987, Bullock moved to the Big Apple, where she took on a number of part-time jobs while auditioning for roles, which included bartender, cocktail waitress, and coat checker. In 1989, Bullock was offered her first film role in the made-for-tv movie Bionic Showdown: The Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman .

10
Steve Buscemi - Firefighter

Image: Matt C

We’ll finish this article with a tale of heroism and selflessness. Years before playing his breakthrough role in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs , Steve Buscemi worked as a firefighter for the New York City Fire Department. During this time, he secretly took acting classes, which eventually led him to fully embrace an acting career in 1985 with his debut in the film The Way It Is .

However, Buscemi still looks proudly onto his firefighter days, often acting as a spokesperson and activist for firefighter rights. Not only that, after the September 11 attacks, he went back to New York and volunteered in his old firehouse to aid his fellow firefighters.

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