Maryland’s state motto, “Fatti masculine, Parole femine,” means “Strong deeds, kind words.” It is written on the state seal, which includes the Crossland and Calvert family arms. The state also has various symbols, including the redfish, blue crab, Baltimore oriole, and black-eyed Susan.
Maryland’s state motto is unique because, unlike other state mottos, it is neither English nor Latin. Rather, the state motto of Maryland is Italian: Fatti masculine, Parole femine. This motto has various translations, but the most common is “Strong deeds, kind words”. The motto forms part of the state seal and has been unofficially adopted as the state motto.
The state motto of Maryland has many translations. The most widely accepted translation, “Strong deeds, kind words,” was presented in 1993 by Maryland state archivist Dr. Edward C. Papenfuse. This translation differs from the previously accepted translation of the motto, which was “Manly deeds, feminine words”. Papenfuse’s translation of the state motto remains the official version despite suggestions to the contrary. Other translations of the Maryland state motto include “Deeds are masculine, words are feminine,” “Deeds are masculine, words are feminine,” and “A woman for words and a man for deeds.”
The Great Seal of Maryland has a representation of the Crossland and Calvert family arms. On the upper arms is an image of a full helmet and a count’s crown. On both sides of the arms the image of two men is shown. The two men symbolize the two estates belonging to Lord Baltimore, which are Avalon in Newfoundland and Maryland. The state motto of Maryland is written in a scroll placed below the two men and arms.
Another interesting fact about the coat of arms is that the Calvert family had the right to use the design of both the Calvert and Crossland families. George Calvert earned this right for the Calvert family as a reward for his victory in storming a fortification during the battle. The gold and black design is the Calvert crest, while the red and white design belongs to the Crossland family. George Calvert’s mother, an heiress, came from the Crossland family. The colony of Maryland was also founded by Cecillious Calvert, 2nd Baron of Baltimore. Both coats of arms have been incorporated into the design of the Maryland flag and seal.
In addition to the Maryland state motto, other state symbols include a state fish, which is redfish, and the state shellfish, which is the Maryland blue crab. The state bird is the Baltimore oriole and the state insect of Maryland is the Baltimore checkered butterfly. Maryland’s state dog is the Chesapeake Bay retriever, while the state flower is the black-eyed Susan.
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