When you look at the back of a one-dollar bill, you will notice the two sides of the Great Seal. The U.S. Seal is very famous and many people actually know the symbolizations since it was first shown in 1782. Currently, the Great Seal is held in a mahogany cabinet and presented in the Department of State Exhibit Hall in Washington, D.C.
The Great Seal is composed of two sides, namely the obverse side and the reverse side.
Symbols Found on the Obverse Side
Eagle
In the middle of the Great Seal, you will see an American bald eagle with its wings up. The country was made beginning with only 13 states or colonies. After the different states decided to sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, America became a single unified nation.
The head of the bald eagle stands for the President and the Executive branch of government. The nine feathers of the eagle represents the judicial branch of government, with each tail feather standing for each judge in the Supreme Court. The eagle is also holding an olive branch in its left talon, which means peace and order. The eagle holds 13 arrows in its right talon, which symbolizes defense. This means that America will protect its citizens from all danger.
Shield
You will find a shield with 13 white and red stripes on the chest of the bald eagle. The shield is held by the eagle to indicate that American citizens should stand firm in their nationalistic beliefs and principles. The red and white stripes stand for the original 13 states that were unified with the aid of the President and Congress. The blue color stands for the leaders of the government, the white tone stands for purity and innocence, while the red color means toughness and a heroic virtue. The blue color also means justice and resilience. Generally, the colors on the U.S. Flag mean the same things or virtues.
Cloud
Over the eagle’s head is also a cloud. It is white and surrounds the blue area with the 13 stars.
Symbols Found on the Reverse Side
Pyramid
There is a pyramid with 13 steps on the reverse side of the Great Seal.
Eye
There is the Eye of Providence which means that the Eye highly favors all your endeavors. The Eye is believed to be able to see the future and all that is currently going on. It is also referred to as the Eye of Providence.
Scroll
The reverse side of the Great Seal also features a scroll under the pyramid with the words “Novus Ordo Seclorum”. The Latin phrase means “New Order of the Ages”. Such refers to the year 1776 as the start of the new era for America.
With all these symbols, people can say a lot about the history of the United States of America. The Great Seal is deemed a national treasure and says much about how the United States acquired its freedom. The colors on the American Flag were actually inspired by the Great Seal colors.
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