California flag and seal The state flag, adopted in 1911, shows a grizzly bear and a single red star. On the state seal, adopted in 1849, a grizzly bear representing California stands next to Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom. A sheaf of wheat and clusters of grapes symbolize agriculture, and a miner laboring with a pick stands for mining.
Ships represent commerce.
The peaks in the background symbolize the Sierra Nevada.