Seal of Maryland Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Great Seal of the State of Maryland
The reverse of the seal of Maryland
Versions
The obverse of the seal of Maryland
The coat of arms of Maryland

Armiger	State of Maryland
Adopted	1969
Use	To represent the government of the State of Maryland in official contexts and to authenticate certain official documents

The Great Seal of the State of Maryland is the official symbol of the U.S. state of Maryland. It is used to make official documents from the state legislature valid. You can also see it displayed in many state buildings.

The seal has changed its look several times over the years. However, the current design shows the back side of the very first seal. This seal has two sides: a front (obverse) and a back (reverse). Only the reverse side is used for official government business.

History of Maryland's Seal
- The Front Side of the Seal (Obverse)
- The Back Side of the Seal (Reverse)
  - Maryland's State Motto
  - Latin Phrase and Founding Date
Gallery
See also

History of Maryland's Seal

The first seal was taken in 1645 during a time of trouble. But a similar new one was sent by Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. This seal was used for a long time, except for a period between 1692 and 1715.

A new seal was adopted in 1794. This one showed symbols of a republic, which means a government where citizens choose their leaders. For example, it had a woman holding scales of justice. Its motto was "Industry the Means, Plenty the Result."

In 1817 and 1854, symbols of an eagle were added. The original Calvert seal was brought back in 1874. Since then, small changes have been made to its design and meaning in 1959 and 1969.

The Front Side of the Seal (Obverse)

Maryland is special because it has a seal with two sides. This is rare for U.S. states and even for countries around the world.

The front side of the state seal was officially described in 1959. It shows Lord Baltimore as a knight. He is wearing full armor and riding a horse with a sword in his hand. The horse's decorations show his family's coat of arms.

Around the edge of this side of the seal, there is a Latin phrase. It says, Cecilius Absolutus Dominus Terræ Mariæ et Avaloniæ Baro de Baltimore. This means "Cecil, Absolute Lord of Maryland and Avalon, Baron of Baltimore."

The Back Side of the Seal (Reverse)

The back side of the seal shows the Calvert family's coat of arms. This design is described in a special way:

It has four sections. The first and fourth sections have six gold and black stripes.
The second and third sections are divided into four smaller parts, with silver and red squares.
Above the shield, there is an earl's coronet (a type of crown). On top of that is a silver helmet facing forward.

The shield is held up by two figures. On the right side (dexter) is a plowman holding a spade. On the left side (sinister) is a fisherman holding a fish. The whole design is surrounded by an ermine mantling, which is a decorative cloth. The crest at the top is a crown with two flags, one gold and one black.

Maryland's State Motto

The state motto is Fatti maschii, parole femine. This comes from old Italian. It means "Manly deeds, womanly words." Or, as the government of Maryland officially translates it, "Strong deeds, gentle words." Maryland is the only state with an Italian motto.

This saying was the motto of the Calvert family, who founded the Colony of Maryland. George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore, made it his family's motto in 1622. It was a well-known saying in England during the 1600s.

Latin Phrase and Founding Date

A Latin phrase goes around the edge of the seal. It says, Scuto bonæ voluntatis tuæ coronasti nos. This comes from a Bible verse (Psalm 5, verse 12). It means "With favor Wilt Thou Compass Us as with a Shield." The founding date of 1632 also completes the circle.

Even though the back side is the main part used for official government papers, you can see the front side displayed around the state. This is especially true on state government buildings, like the Maryland State House.