Connecticut's current state flag, adopted in 1897, does not best represent our unique culture and history, evidenced by its lack of use throughout the state. I propose a redesign of the state flag, and have created a mockup of a potential design with a description of the design and its symbolism.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additionally, I have created several alternative designs using the maritime signal flag for the letter "C," standing for Connecticut. It harkens backs to Connecticut's historic whaling industry. Whale oil was essential for lamps and machinery, and helped power America's industrial revolution. Further on this point, Connecticut is the only state whose state animal is a whale (the sperm whale specifically), showcasing how important this industry was to the state's identity.

Furthermore, it incorporates 5 horizontal stripes, which like the grapes can also stand for Connecticut being the 5th state, as well as its 4 majors rivers (Housatonic, Naugatuck, Connecticut, Thames) and the Long Island Sound. Additionally, the 3 colored stripes can stand for the then-colony's 3 original settlements, and the 2 white stripes can stand for the state's 2 historic constitutions. 

Because these 5 stripes make much of my grapevine symbolism redundant, the charge used can be a number of things. It can be my design of the grapevines, the original grapevines found in the current flag, or perhaps some reference to the famous Charter Oak, whether it be an oak leaf or a fully grown tree.

Disclaimer: Please note that I am not the first person to use the 5 horizontal stripe motif for a potential Connecticut flag redesign. Several designers have published similar designs online using this format.

 

 

 

  ^similar design by u/canjira on r/vexillologyUS subreddit.

 

 

  ^similar design by u/canjira on r/vexillologyUS subreddit.

 

 

 ^similar design (excluding the grapes) by u/canjira on r/vexillologyUS subreddit.

 

 

  ^similar design (excluding the grapes) by u/canjira on r/vexillologyUS subreddit.

 

 

^original design (excluding the grapes) by u/BobithianBobbyBob on r/vexillologyUS subreddit.

 

 

^original design (excluding the grapes) by u/BobithianBobbyBob on r/vexillologyUS subreddit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, I have also created two designs where the only changes are the removal of the scroll with the state motto (as the symbolism is already found in the grape vine), the enlargement of the crest, and an adjustment of the field color. I believe keeping the crest as is could effectively showcase the overall "vibe" of Connecticut--colonial buildings, old-fashioned marketplaces, "old money," etc.. Additionally, I am going to say that the leaves adorning the crest are oak leaves, alluding again to the famous Revolutionary story of the Charter Oak, an event pivotal in forming Connecticut's identity.