A solis ortu usque ad occasum facts for kids
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A solis ortu usque ad occasum is a Latin motto that means "From sunrise to sunset." This powerful saying was often used by kings and queens to show their rule over vast lands. It was inspired by a line in the Bible, specifically Psalm 113:3. This motto helped explain the idea of an "empire where the sun never sets." This was a famous way to describe empires like the Spanish Empire and later the British Empire, because they had territories all around the world. Even today, the British Empire still has lands where the sun is always shining somewhere.
This motto was most famously seen on the coat of arms of many former Kings of Spain. It was usually placed above the main part of the coat of arms, called the crest. This was a bit like the Scottish way of using mottos, which are called slogans in heraldry. Most mottos are placed below the main shield, but this one was special. By putting it above the crest, the Spanish kings wanted to show that the sun never set on their lands. This was true because their empire stretched across both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. This motto reminded people of a famous saying, "en mis dominios no se pone el sol" (in my dominions the sun does not set), which was said by King Philip II.
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The Motto and the Spanish Empire
The Spanish Empire was one of the largest empires in history. It included vast territories in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Because of its huge size, the sun was always shining on at least one part of the empire at any given time. This gave rise to the famous phrase, "the empire on which the sun never sets."
King Philip II and His Empire
King Philip II ruled Spain from 1556 to 1598. During his reign, the Spanish Empire reached its greatest power and size. He was known for his strong leadership and for expanding Spain's influence across the globe. The motto A solis ortu usque ad occasum perfectly captured the idea of his vast empire. It showed that his rule extended from where the sun rose to where it set, covering the entire world.
Symbolism in the Coat of Arms
A coat of arms is a special design used by a family, city, or country. It often includes symbols and mottos that represent their history or values. The Spanish royal coat of arms with this motto was a powerful symbol of Spain's global reach. The motto's placement above the crest was unique and highlighted the idea of an empire that never saw darkness.
Changes Over Time
The detailed version of the royal arms, which included the Castilian Royal Crest and this motto, became less common in the 19th century. However, the idea behind the motto – of a vast and powerful empire – remained an important part of Spanish history.
See also
In Spanish: A solis ortu usque ad occasum para niños
- Coat of arms of Spain
- Plus Ultra
- Castilian Royal Crest
- Latin phrases
