Sacred Cod

The "Sacred Cod" is a wooden replica of an Atlantic codfish that prominently hangs in the House of Representatives chamber at Boston's Massachusetts State House. This emblematic fish has evolved through several versions over the past three centuries, with the current one being the third iteration. The term "Sacred Cod" was first coined in 1895 and has since become synonymous with both the wooden sculpture and the actual codfish, reflecting the crucial role of the cod-fishing industry in Massachusetts' economic history.

Cod fishing was the first industry established by Europeans in Massachusetts, making the codfish a powerful symbol of New England's heritage. Over the years, the Sacred Cod has endured some lighthearted pranks, including the "Cod-napping" by members of the Harvard Lampoon in 1933 and a brief theft by University of Massachusetts students in 1968. There have even been playful suggestions to replace the cod with a greyhound, and debates during World War II about donating it for the war effort.

The Sacred Cod's history stretches back to the 18th century, though it has occasionally been absent from the House chamber due to fires and disappearances. It stands as a rich symbol of Massachusetts' colonial past and the prosperity brought by the fishing industry. Today, the Sacred Cod remains a cherished emblem in the Massachusetts State House, representing both historical significance and moments of playful mischief and debate.