The Significance of the 8 Stars on Alaska's Flag
Alaska's state flag is a striking and meaningful design that represents the territory's natural beauty, constellation-based navigational systems, and cultural heritage. At the heart of this flag is the iconic depiction of the Big Dipper, or Ursa Major, along with the North Star. Today, we'll delve into the meaning behind these elements and explore the story of Benny Benson, the young Alaskan native who designed this beautiful flag.
The Constellation and Its Symbolism
The centerpiece of the Alaska flag is a depiction of the constellation known as the Big Dipper, which is also referred to as Ursa Major or the Great Bear. The Big Dipper is a prominent and recognizable group of stars in the northern sky and serves as a useful tool for navigation, particularly in regions where the North Star, Polaris, is visible. In Alaska, the Big Dipper is especially significant because it helps in finding direction in a vast and often wild landscape. The depiction of this constellation on the flag therefore symbolizes Alaska's geographical position as the northernmost state in the United States and one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth.
The Eight Stars
The flag features eight stars placed on the outer edge of the blue field. These stars hold a deeper meaning and are not just decorative. They represent the seven stars of the Big Dipper and the North Star, Polaris. The North Star is positioned at the top of the flag, serving as a guiding beacon for navigation and symbolizing the state's future. This design choice underscores Alaska's connection to celestial navigation and its historical importance in maritime and exploratory voyages.
The Story Behind the Design
Benny Benson, an Alutiiq boy, submitted the winning design for the Alaska flag when the territory was still seeking statehood. At the time, the flag had to be chosen from hundreds of suggested designs. Benny's design included a blue rectangular background with eight white five-pointed stars arranged in a circular pattern, symbolizing the Big Dipper and the North Star, Polaris. When explaining his design choice, Benny described it as follows:
The blue field is for the Alaska sky, and the forget-me-not, the state flower. The North Star is for the future State of Alaska, the most northerly in the Union. The dipper is for the Great Bear -- symbolizing strength.
Benny's description not only captures the meaning behind each element of the flag but also reflects the state's commitment to its natural beauty, its northernmost geographical position, and its cultural attributes. The choice to use the Big Dipper and the North Star in the design resonates with Alaska's history and its emphasis on natural resources and the outdoors.
The Legacy of the Alaska Flag
The Alaska flag, designed by Benny Benson and his nine-year-old self, has become a symbol of pride and unity for Alaskans. It represents a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and scientific understanding of the night sky. Despite the passage of time, the significance of the eight stars and the constellations they represent remains as relevant today as it was when the flag was first hoisted. Some might even enjoy listening to the song 'Alaska Flag Song' to appreciate the artistic and emotional connections to this unique flag.
Understanding the symbolism of the eight stars on the Alaska flag not only deepens our appreciation for the design itself but also enriches our knowledge of Alaska's history, culture, and natural wonders. Whether through the Big Dipper, the North Star, or the blue field that represents the sky, the flag stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable region.
Conclusion
Alaska's flag is more than just a piece of cloth adorned with stars and symbols. It is a window into the state's history, culture, and natural beauty. From the Big Dipper to the North Star, each element in the design holds a special and meaningful place in the story of this northernmost state. Instead of merely admiring the flag, we can also appreciate the rich narrative it tells about Alaska.