Is it Time to Recognize Old Bay Seasoning, Maryland-Style Pizza as State Symbols?
General Assembly Bill Makes Maryland Rye Whiskey the "State Spirit"
Lost among the many issues taken up by the Maryland General Assembly was the selection of Maryland Rye Whiskey as the "State Spirit." Sen. Steve Hershey, R-36, and Del. Kirill Reznik, D-39 sponsored it and Gov. Wes Moore signed the law on May 3. Maryland's action follows Virginia’s, which in 2017 made "George Washington's Rye Whiskey" their state spirit beverage.
The State has adopted many official symbols since adopting the Maryland State Flag in 1904 and the Black-eyed Susan as the State Flower in 1918.
Other Maryland symbols with a unique connection to the State include.
· Bird: Baltimore Oriole (1947)
· Boat: Skipjack (1985)
· Crustacean: Blue Crab (1989)
· Dessert: Smith Island Cake (2008)
· Dog: Chesapeake Bay Retriever (1964)
· Reptile: Diamondback Terrapin (1994)
However, a unique connection with a state is not a requirement. Twenty-four states, including Maryland, make milk their state beverage. Other Maryland symbols lacking an apparent connection include:
· Dinosaur: Astrodon johnstoni (1998)
· Exercise: Walking (2008)
· Folk Dance: Square Dance (1994)
· Fossil: Shell Ecphora gardnerae (1994)
· Sport: Jousting (1962)
One can imagine the floor debate in 1962 that preceded making "jousting" our state sport. Perhaps the Colts and Orioles had not played well in the prior year, and the General Assembly wanted to send a message.
Looking ahead to 2024, let’s consider four possible state symbols for the General Assembly to recognize:
· State Bat: Cal Ripken's
Three states have "state bats," Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia. The first two honor the Mexican free-tailed bat, while the Commonwealth goes with the Virginia big-eared bat. So why not recognize Cal Ripkin's baseball contributions? Time for Team Angelos to get on the ball and lobby for this.
· State grass: the Blunt [i]
Nineteen states have a state grass. The Maryland General Assembly's enthusiasm for cannabis is already evidenced by HB556/SB516 allowing individuals 21 and older to purchase cannabis products legally from a licensed dispensary. While the choice of one method for smoking pot would unquestionably be edgy, that’s what they like in LD20 (especially if a press release were involved.) One of the Takoma Park progressives may want to lead the way.
· State Pizza: Maryland-style
No state has yet designated a pizza, even though multiple styles are identified with specific locales: New York, Chicago Deep Dish, Detroit, New Jersey, New Haven, and St. Louis. Maryland would be the first.
Maryland-style pizza is rectangular in shape, has a biscuity crust, a sweet tomato sauce, and uses smoked provolone cheese. While Ledo Pizza may be best known for popularizing this style, other restaurants following their approach include the Stained Glass Pub, Continental, Gentleman Jim's, and 4 Corners Pub.
· State Seasoning: Old Bay
Finally, the General Assembly should designate Old Bay as our state seasoning. This is so obvious that it is surprising McCormick has not asked for it already. But since they are just one of six Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the state, why not show them the love? (Were a Republican member to introduce this first, it could also be amusing to watch the Democratic machinations to make it bi-partisan.)
What could be more Maryland than Old Bay?
For the rest of the Maryland State's symbols, see: https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/html/symbols/00list.html
For a list of State Symbols, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_United_States_state_symbols
For Pizza Styles, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_in_the_United_States
[i] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blunt_(cannabis)