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State Symbols

The official state symbols represent the cultural heritage and natural treasures of each state or the entire United States

New Jersey Symbols

New Jersey Symbols

American Folk Dance, Animal, Bird, Bug-Insect, Colors, Dinosaur, Fish, Flag, Flower, Fruit, Memorial Tree, Motto, Nicknames, Seal, Shell, Song, Tall Ship, Tree

New Jersey State Folk Dance

Square Dance

Adopted on January 19, 1983.

"Do-si-do" and "swing your partner!"; cries the caller in New Jersey's official State folk dance, the square dance. In the popular American square dance, a caller shouts out directions to the dancing couples. Square dance music is lively and the dancers wear colorful clothes. The Square Dance has been designated as the American Folk Dance of the State of New Jersey by Joint Resolution No. 1, 1983.

The Square Dance Council of New Jersey was founded in 1983 to preserve and promote the square dance activity throughout the State and surrounding areas. The Council is interested in all forms of the square dance activity; present membership consists of organizations primarily associated with modern square dance (also known as modern western square dance) and round dance activities.

JOINT RESOLUTION No. 1

A Joint Resolution designating the Square Dance as the American Folk Dance of the State of New Jersey.

WHEREAS, Love of State and professions is enhanced by traditions that have cecome a part of our way of live and the customs of the American people; and

WHEREAS, We have distinctive and meaningful symbols of our ideals in our State's flag and in many cultural endeavors, but no official designation of a State Folk Dance; and

WHEREAS, The Square Dance, which was first associated with the American people and recorded in history since 1651, has consistently been the one dance traditionally recognized by the American people as a dignified and enjoyable expression of American Folk dancing; and

WHEREAS, Official recognition of the Square Dance will enhance the cultural stature of New Jersey both nationally and internationally; and

WHEREAS, National and international prestige is in the best interest of al Americans; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The dance known as the Square Dance is designated the American Folk Dance of the State of New Jersey.

2. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

Approved January 19, 1983.

State Symbols

State symbols represent things that are special to a particular state.

symbol \ˈsim-bəl\
noun

Etymology:
in sense 1, from Late Latin symbolum, from Late Greek symbolon, from Greek, token, sign; in other senses from Latin symbolum token, sign, symbol, from Greek symbolon, literally, token of identity verified by comparing its other half, from symballein to throw together, compare, from syn- + ballein to throw — more at devil
Date: 15th century

1: Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible.