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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

Washington Symbols

Washington Symbols

Arboretum, Bird, Dance, Day, Fish, Flag, Flower, Folk Song, Fossil, Fruit, Gem, Grass, Insect, Marine Mammal, Motto, Nicknames, Seal, Ship, Song, Tartan, Tree

Washington State Dance

Square Dance

Adopted on April 17, 1979.

On April 17, 1979, the square dance became the official Washington state dance.

RCW 1.20.075
State dance.
The square dance is designated as the official dance of the state of Washington.

[1979 ex.s. c 10 § 1.]

When the pioneers came west, they brought with them a dance called the quadrille, which means square in French. The pioneers liked the simpler term and so the square dance was born. The dance is known for its series of figures and footwork. Dancers are directed by a caller. It is easy to learn, a good form of exercise and fun.

Washington State Governor Gary Locke Signing Proclamation declaring the week of September 16 through 22, 2002 Square Dance Week in Washington State.

The Square & Folk Dance Federation is incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington as a non-profit organization to promote Square and Folk Dancing in Washington as a means of recreation and pleasure for all persons. The goal is to foster interest and publicize our activity along with the exchange of ideas.

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.