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What do the symbols on the U.S. $1 bill mean? The Great Seal of the United States Lots More Information See all Currency articles How Money is Made
The Great Seal of the United States The unfinished pyramid and the eye in a triangle on the reverse side are classic symbols. The Egyptian pyramid is a symbol of strength and duration; the 13 steps indicate the original number of U.S. states; and the 13 steps leading to an unfinished summit indicates future growth of the nation. The eye is known as the "Eye of Providence" and is surrounded by rays of light. According to Webster's New World College Dictionary, "providence" can mean:
a looking to, or preparation for, the future; provision. skill or wisdom in management; prudence. a) the care or benevolent guidance of God or nature, b) an instance of this. God, as the guiding power of the universe. The single eye shows up in Egyptian mythology as the Eye of Horus, an ancient god of the Egyptians. The eye represented wisdom, health and prosperity. Some people think that the "all-seeing eye" is a symbol of Freemasonry, a fraternal organization, and they interpret this as proof that the Founding Fathers believed in Masonic principles and wanted to impose Masonic order on the United States. This essay about the Eye in the Pyramid addresses that rumor.
Here are the other symbols on the Great Seal.
The obverse side:
The 1782 secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson, adopted the bald eagle as the prominent feature of the design. The shield, or escutcheon, is shown on the breast of the eagle without any support, indicating the self-reliance of the United States. Thirteen red and white stripes appear on the shield, signifying the 13 original states. The red color represents hardiness and valor, and the white represents purity and innocence. These stripes support and unite with the top blue band, which represents Congress. Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. The eagle's talons hold 13 arrows in the right and an olive branch in the left. These symbolize the power of war and peace, respectively. The number of arrows represents the 13 original states. The constellation of 13 stars (states) above the eagle's head signifies the United States' rank among other sovereign powers. The motto, "E Pluribus Unum," written on the banner held in the eagle's beak, is Latin meaning "Out of many, one," conveying the union of the States. The reverse side: The pyramid The eye in the triangle above the pyramid The Roman numerals, MDCCLXXVI, appear on the base of the pyramid and translate to 1776, the year of independence. Above the "eye" are the Latin words "Annuit Coeptis." This translates to "He has favored our undertakings." This line is associated with the "Eye of Providence." Below the pyramid are the Latin words "Novus Ordo Seclorum," meaning "A new order of the ages," referring to the birth of America in 1776. In 1935, the Department of Treasury proposed the use of the obverse and reverse sides of the Great Seal on the back of the $1 bill, originally with the obverse on the left hand side and the reverse on the right. Before approving the design, President Franklin Roosevelt decided to switch the order of sides of the seal, and then added "The Great Seal" under the reverse and "of the United States" under the obverse.
BUt I could you also give you the explation of a lunatic who thinks that satan is on your dollar bill.
@ the top are scales which represent balance as in a balanced budget..almost an oxymoron at this point!
in the center is a T-square, a tool used by carpenters-ensuring straight and even cut, which means honesty and straightforwardness from the gov....
on the bottom is a key, which represents the US Treasury.
the two circles on the back-rep. the Great Seal of the US.
left hand circle has a pyramid-which faces west and is lighted, this was to signify a new country and further exploration in the West. the UN-cap means the US is not finished being built.
the all-seeing eye is a symbol of divinity.
In God we Trust, Annuit Coeptis--which is Latin for "God has favored our undertaking" and Novus Ordo Seclorum--which means " a new order has begun" are all printed on the bill.
right hand circle has an eagle which is our national bird--and a symbol at every National Cemetery in the US. the shield in front of the eagle has neither legs or wings, which meant America can stand on its own.
There are 13 stars above the eagle--which signify the 13 colonies.
the eagle holds an olive branch which means the country wants peace, but is not afraid to fight to preserve its peace.
The number 13 is not considered unlucky:
13 colonies 13 signers of the Declaration of Independence 13 stars on the flag 13 letters in Latin above the pyramid 13 steps on the pyramid 13 letters in E pluribus unum 13 stars over the eagle 13 plumes of feathers on each eagle's wing 13 bars on the shield, 13 fruits and 13 arrows 13 leaves on the olive branch
Its loaded with Masonic symbols and the eye atop the pyramid is the all seeing eye. It goes back into ancient Eypyt, where I think the Masonic brotherhood originated. But of course the founding fathers of America were Masons so its no big surprise really
venusenvy: Its loaded with Masonic symbols and the eye atop the pyramid is the all seeing eye. It goes back into ancient Eypyt, where I think the Masonic brotherhood originated. But of course the founding fathers of America were Masons so its no big surprise really
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