Seal of Massachusetts Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Versions


Armiger	Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Adopted	December 13, 1780
Motto	Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem

Coat of arms of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Versions
The simplified coat of arms used in the state flag and larger signage
Historical coat of arms (1876)

Armiger	Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Adopted	1775
Blazon	Azure, a Native American passant. Holding in his dexter hand a bow, holding in his sinister hand an arrow. All Or. In dexter chief a mullet of 5 Argent.
Motto	Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem

The Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a special symbol for the state of Massachusetts. It shows the state's official coat of arms. Around the coat of arms, there is Latin writing that says "Sigillum Reipublicæ Massachusettensis." This means "The Seal of the Republic of Massachusetts."

Massachusetts is called a "commonwealth," which is why the Latin word respublica is used. The coat of arms is the main part of the seal. It became an official state symbol in 1775. Then, Governor John Hancock and his team confirmed it on December 13, 1780. The seal we see today was designed by artist Edmund H. Garrett in 1900. While the official writing is in Latin, sometimes a version with "Commonwealth of Massachusetts" in English is also used.

History of the Massachusetts Seal
Government Seals of Massachusetts
Historical Seals of Massachusetts
See also

History of the Massachusetts Seal

Early seals and the model for today's seal. The first Bay Colony seal (left), the 1775 revolution seal (right), and Thomas Little Shell (center), whose likeness was used for the modern seal.

First Seal of the Colony (1629)

The very first seal of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was created in 1629. It showed a Native American person. This figure held an arrow pointing downwards, which meant peace. A scroll came from their mouth with the words "Come over and help us." This phrase was meant to show that the first colonists wanted to help and trade. This seal was used until 1689.

Changes During King Philip's War (1676)

During a conflict called King Philip's War in 1676, the seal was changed. The peaceful message was removed. It was replaced with words about the war. This showed how the colonists' feelings changed during the conflict. After the war, the original peaceful message came back for a short time.

Revolutionary Seal (1775)

In 1775, during the American Revolution, a new seal appeared. This seal showed a minuteman (a colonial soldier). He held a sword in one hand and the Magna Carta in the other. The sword later became part of the state's coat of arms.

This Revolutionary seal was also the first to use the Latin motto we see today. The motto is "Manus haec inimica tyrannis ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem." This means "This hand of mine, which is hostile to tyrants, seeks by the sword quiet peace under liberty." This motto showed that the colony no longer accepted the rule of the British governor.

The 1780 Seal and Its Meaning

The next important seal was adopted on December 13, 1780. This is the basis for our current seal. The main part shows a Native American person with a bow and arrow. The arrow points down, which is a sign of peace.

Next to the figure's head is a silver star. A blue ribbon goes around the shield. On this ribbon is the state motto: "Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem." This motto means, "With a sword, she seeks quiet peace under liberty." A simpler way to say it is, "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty."

Above the shield is the state's military crest. It shows a bent arm holding a broadsword pointing upwards. This sword reminds everyone that Massachusetts gained its independence through the American Revolution.

Modern Seal Design (1890)

The current look of the 1780 seal was adopted in 1890. The image of the Native American person was updated. The head used for the seal was based on a Chippewa chief from Montana.

You can see all the different seals used in Massachusetts at the Massachusetts State House. There is a beautiful stained glass window at the top of the Grand Staircase that shows them.

Government Seals of Massachusetts

These are some of the seals used by different parts of the Massachusetts government:

Seal of the Governor of Massachusetts
Seal of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
Seal of the Massachusetts Senate
Alternative seal of the Massachusetts Senate
Seal of the Massachusetts State Police

Historical Seals of Massachusetts

Here are some of the older seals used in Massachusetts history:

Seal of the Plymouth Colony, (around 1620–1629)
Seal of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, (1629–1686, 1689-1691)
Seal of the Dominion of New England (1686–1689)
Coat of Arms of Great Britain, used by the Province of Massachusetts Bay (1691–1780)
Seal used by the Massachusetts Provincial Congress (1775–1780)
An example of the seal from 1820, before it was made standard (1780–1900)