Great Seal > Mottoes > Novus Ordo Seclorum NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM – Origin and Meaning of the Motto Beneath the American Pyramid Novus ordo seclorum is the Latin motto suggested in 1782 by Charles Thomson, the Founding Father chosen by Continental Congress to come up with the final design for the Great Seal of the United States. On June 20, 1782, Congress approved Thomson's design for both sides of the Great Seal whose official description for the reverse side specifies: "On the base of the pyramid the numerical letters MDCCLXXVI & underneath the following motto. 'novus ordo seclorum'." Although Thomson did not provide an exact translation of the motto, he explained its meaning in conjunction with the date 1776 on the foundation of the pyramid: "The date underneath is that of the Declaration of Independence and the words under it signify the beginning of the new American Æra, which commences from that date." Translating NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM NOVUS means new, young, novel, or renewed. ORDO means order, row, or series. SECLORUM means ages, generations, or centuries. An accurate translation of Novus Ordo Seclorum is "A New Order of the Ages," but the meaning of this motto is better understood when seen in its original context. Discover the source of Novus Ordo Seclorum. Novus ordo seclorum does not mean "new world order." Novus ordo seclorum is an 18th-century Latin phrase (derived from a 1st-century B.C. one). "New world order" is a 20th-century English phrase that, if converted to Latin, would not be novus ordo seclorum. Seclorum is a plural form. New worlds order!? Charles Thomson specifically said the motto refers to the new American Era commencing in 1776. The farsighted founders of the United States looked back into history as well as forward, realizing their actions would have long-lasting consequences for future generations. In January 1776, Thomas Paine inspired the Colonies with a vision of this new American Era. In Common Sense, he wrote: "The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind... 'Tis not the concern of a day, a year, or an age; posterity are virtually involved in the contest, and will be more or less affected, even to the end of time, by the proceedings now." In his June 1783 farewell letter to the Army, General George Washington wrote: "The foundation of our Empire was not laid in the gloomy age of Ignorance and Superstition, but at an Epoch when the rights of mankind were better understood and more clearly defined, than at any former period." Commentary This 1823 painting by Rembrandt Peale is in the Old Senate Chamber. George Washington – Patriæ Pater – "Father of His Country" Five years after George Washington returned to private life, the new federal Constitution went into effect on July 2, 1788. Then at the beginning of 1789, Washington was elected America's first President. In April, Charles Thomson traveled to Mt. Vernon to escort Washington to New York for his inauguration. It had been 13 years since Independence was declared in 1776. The first layer of the new American pyramid was now built. The structural foundation of the New Order of the Ages was established. Early in his presidency, Washington praised this revolutionary beginning and expressed hope for the continuing progress of the American people: "As mankind become more liberal, they will be more apt to allow, that all those, who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protection of civil government. I ever hope to see America among the foremost nations in examples of justice and liberality." – President Washington to a committee of Roman Catholics (March 1790) "I rejoice that a spirit of liberality and philanthropy is much more prevalent than it formerly was among the enlightened nations of the earth..." – President Washington to Hebrew Congregations (May 1790) If patriots are those who listen to and respect the Father of their country, then shouldn't the current federal debate over healthcare consider President Washington's views on the role of civil government to protect its citizens? President Franklin D. Roosevelt speaks about "A New Order of the Ages." Explore GreatSeal.com Learn the origin and meaning of the other two Latin MOTTOES: E Pluribus Unum | Annuit Coeptis Examine the SYMBOLS on the Seal's Two Sides: Dynamic imagery from nature and history. (Includes clickable image map.) See Preliminary DESIGNS for the Great Seal: Ideas suggested by three committees (1776-1782). Recognize MYTH and Misinformation: Don't let America's emblem become a casualty of lore. See why PEACE is Patriotic: "The power of peace" as a founding principle. Great Seal SIGHTINGS: American symbols in the news, wise and otherwise. How the pyramid & eye got on the one-dollar bill What's so great about the Great Seal? (includes resources for teachers) Brief Overview Front Page Images Reverse side of the Great Seal: On the exterior of a U.S. post office. Patriæ Pater: Painting by Rembrandt Peale (1823) – U.S. Senate Chamber. ©2012 GreatSeal.com