Great Seal > Mottoes > E Pluribus Unum E PLURIBUS UNUM – Origin and Meaning of the Motto Carried by the American Eagle E pluribus unum is the motto suggested by the committee Congress appointed on July 4, 1776 to design "a seal for the United States of America." The below sketch of their design accompanied a detailed description of their idea for the new nation's official emblem. A motto's purpose is to express the theme of a seal's imagery – especially that of the shield. The center section of their shield has six symbols for "the Countries from which these States have been peopled:" the rose (England), thistle (Scotland), harp (Ireland), fleur-de-lis (France), lion (Holland), and an imperial two-headed eagle (Germany). Linked together around the shield are 13 smaller shields, each with the initials for one of the "thirteen independent States of America." On August 20, 1776, this first committee submitted their Great Seal design to Congress (including Benjamin Franklin's idea for the reverse side). Although their design was not approved (and two subsequent committees would be appointed), their motto was selected by Charles Thomson six years later when he created the final Great Seal in 1782 and inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM on the scroll carried in the beak of the American bald eagle who carries "the power of peace & war" in its talons. The motto E pluribus unum "alludes to this union" between the states and federal government, as symbolized by the shield on the eagle's breast. The thirteen stripes "represent the several states all joined in one solid compact entire, supporting a Chief, which unites the whole & represents Congress." – Charles Thomson "The Human U.S. Shield: 30,000 Officers and Men" ©1918 Mole & Thomas Translating E PLURIBUS UNUM The general meaning of each Latin word is clear: Pluribus is related to the English word: "plural." Unum is related to the English word: "unit." E Pluribus Unum describes an action: Many uniting into one. An accurate translation of the motto is "Out of many, one" – a phrase that elegantly captures the symbolism on the shield. The meaning of this motto is better understood when seen in its original classical context. Discover the source of E Pluribus Unum, the message carried by the American Eagle. Other symbols of unity on the Great Seal: Bundle of 13 Arrows Constellation of 13 Stars The entire Great Seal is itself a symbol of unity. In the 1770s, symbols of unity were common on the money. See emblems on Continental Currency that inspired and reflected E pluribus unum. Explore GreatSeal.com. Reconnect with the spirit of unity that gave birth to the United States. Learn the origin and meaning of the other MOTTOES: Novus Ordo Seclorum | 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 Top image: Detail of the Masi Treaty-Seal of 1825. Page revised November 28, 2011. Completing its 13th year, GreatSeal.com is created and ©2012 by John D. MacArthur. Historical content is based on the official history of the U.S. Seal.