Fifth Grade
Worksheets
One Symbolic Seal
The Great Seal is a special seal used in the United States. It is used by the government on special documents. The seal is very symbolic. The front of the seal has a picture of a bald eagle. A bald eagle is a North American bird. It was chosen because America is a North American country. There are many North American birds. The bald eagle was chosen because it has a long life and because it is a bird of great strength. In one of his claws the eagle is holding an olive branch. In the other claw he is holding thirteen arrows. The olive branch symbolizes peace. The arrows mean that America will fight to stay free. A shield on the eagle's chest is also symbolic. It is covered by seven white stripes and six red stripes; there are thirteen stripes in all. There is also a blue band on the shield. This band represents Congress. The bald eagle holds a ribbon in his beak. The Latin words "E Pluribus Unum" are written on it. In English this means "out of many, one."
The back of the Great Seal is also very symbolic. It has a large pyramid with thirteen steps. This represents strength. The top of the pyramid looks like it is not quite finished. The top of the pyramid contains a giant eye. It is called the Eye of Providence. Latin words above it mean "He (God) has favored our undertakings." Roman numerals at the bottom of the pyramid stand for 1776. Another Latin phrase meaning "new order of the ages" is written at the bottom.
