E pluribus unum facts for kids
E pluribus unum is a very old and important motto for the United States. It's a Latin phrase that means "out of many, one." You can often see it on the U.S. dollar bill and other official items. This motto reminds everyone that the United States was formed when many different states came together to create one strong nation.
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The Story Behind the Motto
The idea for this motto came from the very first committee that designed the Great Seal of the United States in 1776. A talented artist and consultant named Pierre Du Simitière suggested "E pluribus unum." His design for the seal showed this idea of many parts becoming one.
A Well-Known Phrase
In the 1700s, many Americans who could read already knew this motto. It was often seen in a popular magazine called The Gentleman's Magazine. This magazine was published every month in London and copies were sent all the way to the American colonies. The phrase "E pluribus unum" was even used on the title pages of the magazine's yearly collections.
On the Great Seal
In 1782, when the final design for the Great Seal was being made, Charles Thomson added this motto. He placed it on a scroll held in the beak of the bald eagle, which is a symbol of the United States.
What "Out of Many, One" Means
The motto "E pluribus unum" clearly refers to the Thirteen Colonies that joined together to form one single nation. This idea is shown on the Great Seal by the shield on the eagle's chest.
The official description of the Great Seal explains it well. The thirteen vertical stripes on the shield "represent the several states all joined in one solid compact entire." These stripes support a top part that "unites the whole & represents Congress." The motto itself "alludes to this union," meaning it points to this idea of many states becoming one united country.
Images for kids
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Original 1776 design for the Great Seal by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere. The shields with 13 initials of the colonies surrounding symbols for the six origin nations England (rose), Scotland (thistle), Ireland (harp), Holland (The Netherlands) (lion), France (fleur-de-lis), and Germany (eagle) linked together with motto.
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Half Dollar (reverse), 1807
See also
In Spanish: E pluribus unum para niños
