Seal of Massachusetts
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The Seal of Massachusetts contains the coat of arms of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a U.S. State. The coat of arms is encircled by the text "Sigillum Reipublicae Massachusettensis" ("Seal of the Republic of Massachusetts").
The seal was adopted on by the Provincial Congress December 13, 1780. The shield depicts an Algonquin Native American with bow and arrow; the arrow is pointed downward, signifying peace. A white star with five points appears next to the figure's head, signifying the state's admission as the 6th US State. A blue ribbon (blue, signifying the Blue Hills of Canton and Milton) surrounds the shield, bearing the state motto "Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem" This comes from the Book of Mottoes in the King's Library in Copenhagen, Denmark; written about 1659 by Algernon Sydney, English soldier and politician. It was adopted in 1775 by the Provincial Congress and means, "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty." Above the shield is the state military crest: a bent arm holding a broadsword aloft. The sword has its blade up, to remind that it was through the American Revolution that independence was won.
There have been a number of Seals of Massachusetts throughout history. The first seal of Massachusetts Bay Colony showed a nude American Indian with a bush covering his crotch. Like the current seal, he held in his hand an arrow pointed down. A scroll came out over his mouth with the words "Come over and help us," emphasizing the missionary and commercial intentions of the original colonists. This seal was used until 1686, shortly after the charter was annulled, and again from 1689-1692.
A stained glass window at the top of the Grand Stair Case at the State House shows all the seals used in Massachusetts, including the royal seals of the Governors during colonial days.
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