Ditat Deus facts for kids

Ditat Deus is the official state motto of Arizona. This special phrase is written on Arizona's state seal. In Latin, "Ditat Deus" means "God enriches." It reminds people of Arizona's rich natural resources and its history.

Arizona's State Motto: "Ditat Deus"

Every state in the United States has a motto. A motto is a short phrase or saying that represents the state's values or history. Arizona's motto, "Ditat Deus," was chosen because it reflects the state's wealth. This wealth comes from its land, its resources, and its people.

What Does "Ditat Deus" Mean?

The phrase "Ditat Deus" comes from the Latin language. Latin is an ancient language once spoken by the Roman Empire. Many official mottos use Latin because it sounds formal and timeless. For Arizona, "God enriches" highlights the idea that the state's prosperity is a gift. It can refer to the rich mineral deposits found in Arizona. It also points to the fertile lands that allow farming.

The Arizona State Seal

The state motto "Ditat Deus" is a key part of the Great Seal of the State of Arizona. This seal is an important symbol. It is used on official state documents and buildings. The seal tells a story about Arizona's past and its strengths.

What Does the Seal Show?

The Arizona state seal has many interesting pictures. Each picture represents something important about the state:

• Mountains: In the background, you can see tall mountains. These represent Arizona's many mountain ranges and its rich mineral resources.
• Rising Sun: A bright sun rises over the mountains. This symbolizes Arizona's famous sunny climate and its future.
• Mining: On the right side, a miner holds a pickaxe and a shovel. This shows the importance of mining in Arizona's history. Mining for copper and other minerals helped the state grow.
• Agriculture: On the left side, a farmer stands near a dam and a reservoir. There are also fields and cattle. This represents Arizona's strong agricultural industry. It shows how water management, like dams, helps farming in the desert.
• Water: The reservoir and dam highlight the importance of water in a desert state. They show how people have worked to bring water to dry lands.

History of the Seal

The Arizona state seal was adopted in 1912. This was the same year Arizona became a state. The design was chosen to represent the state's main industries and natural beauty. The motto "Ditat Deus" was added to the seal to complete its meaning. It has been a symbol of Arizona ever since.

See also

In Spanish: Gran sello del estado de Arizona para niños