One main feature that appears in many other symbols of the state is the cranberry. Cranberry is not only the state berry, but also the state color. In addition, cranberry juice is the state beverage. The cranberry being added on July 11, 1994 as the state berry was the fruit of a 5th grade class’ petition. Massachusetts is the second largest producer of cranberries, and the largest producer of cranberry juice in the nation. Cranberry isn’t the only plant that is recognized as a Massachusetts symbol. Since March 21, 1941, the American Elm has been Massachusetts's state tree because of its association with the revolution. Supposedly, General Washington took control of the Continental Army in 1775 under an elm tree. Also, it can be a symbol of strength and endurance. Another big group of symbols are the state animals. Massachusetts’s state bird (not to be confused with the state game bird, the wild turkey) has been the Black-Capped Chickadee since March 21, 1941. The chickadee was chosen because of its presence in the Massachusetts wilderness, and its symbolism of cheerfulness and adaptability. But, this isn’t the only animal symbol. There is also a state cat and dog. Even though it isn’t a breed, it is a type of cat that has an M-shaped marking on its forehead. Since July 11, 1988 Massachusetts's state cat has been the tabby cat. Unlike the state cat, the state dog since May 14, 1979, the Boston Terrier, is …show more content…
Massachusetts has seven state songs which fall into state ceremonial march, folk song, glee club song, ode, patriotic song, polka song, and the regular state song. “The Road to Boston” (composer unknown) was designated as Massachusetts’s official ceremonial march of the Commonwealth on November 13, 1985 because it represented the revolution in which Boston was the hub that everyone wanted to go to after hearing of the rebellion and the first shot in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This may also be known as “March to Boston” or “Boston March” but “The Road to Boston” is the commonly known name. But, the state’s folk song since July 6, 1981, “Massachusetts” by Arlo Guthrie. The state glee club song, “The Great State of Massachusetts” was added as a symbol on November 24, 1997, is another of the seven state songs. “The Great State of Massachusetts” was written by George A. Wells and its music composed by J. Earl Bley as a song that represented John F. Kennedy and his home state (Massachusetts) for the 1960 Democratic National Convention. In terms of odes, the Massachusetts state ode is “Ode to Massachusetts” which was written by Joseph Falzone and was introduced as a Massachusetts state symbol on November 22, 2000. The patriotic song of Massachusetts is called “Massachusetts (Because of You Our Land is Free)” and was composed by Bernard Davidson. It became an official state symbol on October 23, 1989. On