Understanding America, Understanding the Great Seal

Here is another interesting writing on the Great Seal of the USA. One of our members explain what this symbol stands for. If you read this, you are going to understand its true meaning. Let us know what you think about this writing through comments! :)

Understanding America, Understanding the Great Seal

Kim Min Ji

Sogang University

American Culture and Political Science

 

 

             I bet many recall seeing this emblem before from somewhere, probably from the covers of U.S. passports. It is called the Great Seal of United States, representing the country itself and it is used to authenticate documents produced by the government. Even if it is a symbol that can be seen quite frequently, how many of you know what it symbolizes as well as the values it stands for?

             The first thing that comes into sight is the eagle. It is a bald-eagle, also known as the American eagle. Plus, it is the national bird and at the same time the national animal of United States of America. The eagle holds 13 arrows in its left talon and a branch of an olive tree on its right with 13 olives hanging. The eagle then holds a ribbon in its beak which has the phrase, “E Pluribus, Unum” written on it.

             Several symbolisms that can be found from the seal represent the founding of the country. First, the repetition of number 13 stands for the fact that the country started out with 13 states. The olive tree and arrows in each of the eagle’s talons symbolize peace and war respectively, and it can be interpreted as America’s strong will to protect peace but if anyone tries to violate it, the country is always ready for a war. The phrase on the ribbon, “E Pluribus Unum” is Latin for “out of many, one.” The phrase can be interpreted in two different ways. It means that the country is made of 50 different states, and all these states come together to form a nation. Another interpretation is to suggest the notion of multiculturalism in America, as many different races, ethnic groups, religion and so much diversity stands at the core of America’s fundamentals.

             The Seal of United States of America has a lot of meaning compacted into a single picture. From the peace-protecting agent to the originator of the Melting Pot theory, the seal is self-explanatory regarding its symbolism and understanding what it stands for will give a better insight into America in general along with the values the country promotes.