The symbol is similar to the lowercase letter x but is a more symmetric saltire, and has different uses.
The bottom saltire contains the state military crest which consists of a cotton plant with full bursting boll.
In the top saltire, the flag displays the state coat of arms.
The design is a red saltire resembling two crossed, roughly-pruned (knotted) branches, on a white field.
A field "(party) per saltire" is divided into four areas by a saltire-shaped cut.
Unofficially, a plain red saltire had been used since at least the 1830s.
The fret (formed by the saltire and mascle) is symbolic of the interlaced support provided to combat elements.
Bearing the same vertical white-black layout, a white saltire was also included on the black stripe.
