Connecticut became the 5th colony to ratify the United States Constitution on January 9, 1788. More than 100 years later, in 1897 the state officially adopted its flag . The Connecticut State flag displays a white shield in a field of blue. Three supported grape vines are depicted on the shield, each bearing three bunches of grapes. The rococo shield is decorated with oak leaves and acorns and bordered with gold and silver. Below the shield is a ribbon with the state motto: Qui Transtulit Sustinet, meaning: He who transplanted still sustains. The vines on the seal symbolize the Colony brought over and planted here in the wilderness.