Virginia’s state motto is “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” meaning “So always to tyrants,” adopted in 1776. The state seal depicts Virtus, a figure of peace, standing victorious over Tyranny, representing Britain. Virginia has several unofficial nicknames, including “The Old Dominion” and “Mother of Presidents.” The state also has official symbols, including the American foxhound, brook trout, cardinal, American dogwood, and Chesapecten jeffersonius fossil.
Virginia’s state motto is “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” which means “So always to tyrants.” The motto was adopted in 1776, with the words symbolizing victory over tyranny. The state motto of Virginia was recommended by George Mason to be incorporated into the Seal of Virginia during the Virginia Convention of 1776. Although the words are Latin, the exact origins are unknown, unlike the mottos of most states of the States United.
A very unique factor of the Virginia state motto is that it is fully incorporated into the state seal. The state seal is circular, with a garland of flowers forming an inner circle. Within this circle, two figures actually recite the meaning of the state motto. The female image represents the Roman figure, Virtus, who is a figure of peace. The male figure represents Tyranny, which lies at the feet of Virtus. Virtus is depicted holding a long spear and the whole impression is that of a battle already won.
On the ground beside the prostrate tyranny lies a royal crown. Tyranny represents Britain and the image of Virtus standing victorious over tyranny represents Virginia’s victory over Britain. Tyranny is shown with a broken chain in hand, symbolizing Virginia’s victory from Britain’s grip on colonial trade. The words of the Virginia state motto, “Thus always to tyrants,” are written under its prostrate form, giving the motto a literal meaning. Much of the state seal design comes from Roman mythology.
Aside from Virginia’s official state motto, the state has several unofficial nicknames, including “The Old Dominion” in reference to Virginia’s statehood as the oldest American settlement by King Charles. “Mother States” refers to the vast territory of Virginia from which other states including Kentucky, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and West Virginia have been carved. “Mother of presidents” is a direct reference to the fact that Virginia has produced as many as eight US presidents. “The Cavalier State” is a reference to the entry of English Knights into the state during and after the reign of King Charles I.
Other official state symbols include the American foxhound, which is the official state dog, the brook trout, which is the official state fish, and the cardinal, which is the official state bird. The state flower of Virginia is the American dogwood, while the official state fossil is Chesapecten jeffersonius, named after both the Chesapeake Bay and Thomas Jefferson.
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