Post by Ryan Thames on Jun 21, 2012 19:24:24 GMT -6
The rattlesnake symbolism on the flag was most likely invented by Benjamin Franklin, who was using it as early as 1751 and published a famous woodcut featuring it in 1754. The rattlesnake is the perfect embodiment of the early American view of independence from government.
Franklin wrote this passage concerning the rattlesnake as a symbol for Americans in the Pennsylvania Journal in 1775:
I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eye-lids—She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance.—She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage.—As if anxious to prevent all pretensions of quarreling with her, the weapons with which nature has furnished her, she conceals in the roof of her mouth, so that, to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenseless animal; and even when those weapons are shewn and extended for her defense, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal:—Conscious of this, she never wounds till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.—Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?
