"The Bay State Tartan" was designated the official state district tartan of Massachusetts in 2002. All State Tartans
According to the the Scottish Tartans Authority, the colors of the Bay State Tartan represent:
Massachusetts designated the American elm (Ulmus americana) as the official state tree in 1941, commemorating the fact that General George Washington took command of the Continental Army beneath an American elm tree on Cambridge Common in 1775. All State Trees
The wild turkey was designated the official state game bird of Massachusetts in 1991 (the state bird is black-capped chickadee, adopted in 1941). The wild turkey is also a state symbol of Alabama, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. All State Birds
The beautiful Morgan Horse was designated the official state horse of Massachusetts in 1970. All State Horses
Rhodonite was recognized by Massachusetts in 1979 as the official state gem or gem symbol. All State Gems
Rhodonite varies in hue from a light pink to a deep rose or reddish pink, and is considered the most beautiful gem material found in Massachusetts (rhodonite is associated with black manganese).
"Johnny Appleseed" was designated the official folk hero of Massachusetts in 1996. All State Awards / Recognition
"Make Way for Ducklings" was designated the official children's book of Massachusetts in 2003. The third grade class at the Dean S. Luce Elementary School in Canton were responsible for gaining sponsorship for the legislation. All Massachusetts Symbols
Massachusetts designated Roxbury Puddingstone (also called Roxbury conglomerate) as the official state rock in 1983. All State Rocks
In 1997 the chocolate chip cookie was recognized as the official state cookie of Massachusetts. A third grade class from Somerset proposed the bill honoring the cookie (invented in 1930 at the Toll House Restaurant in Whitman, Massachusetts). All State Foods
The name "Massachusetts" originates with native Americans in the Massachusetts Bay area (from the language of the Algonquian nation). The name translates roughly as "at or about the great hill." All State Name Origins
Possible interpretations of the exact origin of the word Massachusetts: