Maine State Motto

"Dirigo"

(I direct or I guide)

Adopted in 1820.

Language: Latin

Focus: Religious

See Maine State Seal

Maine entered the Union on March 15, 1820 and the Legislature of the State of Maine held its first session from May 21 to June 28 of the same year. The motto, Dirigo, was adopted during this session. Dirigo, meaning I guide, is the State motto of Maine. It alludes to the idea that just as a star guides a sailor home from his seagoing adventures, the State guides its citizens toward the loftiest patriotism.

The "Polar Star" in the seal is intended to represent the new State of Maine as indicated above. The motto, Dirigo, extends the character of the "Polar Star... considered the mariner's guide...", referring to the state as the "citizens' guide" while also exhorting the responsibilities of the citizens to the state, "...the object to which the patriot's best exertions should be directed."

There are four states with mottos that mention "God." Most people would probably regard them as being religious mottos:

1. Arizona: "Ditat Deus" This means "God Enriches in Latin."
2. Florida: "In God We Trust." -- identical to the current national motto
3. Ohio: "With God, All Things Are Possible." This is a direct biblical quotation from the King James Version of Matthew 19:25-26: "When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
4. South Dakota: "Under God, The People Rule."

There are three other states with mottos that make reference to "God."

1. Colorado: "Nothing Without Providence"
2. Connecticut: "He Who Transplanted Still Sustains"
3. Maine: "I Direct"

Statute

Maine Statutes, Title 1, Chapter 9, Subchapter 1.

Title 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS.
Chapter 9: SEAL, MOTTO, EMBLEMS AND FLAGS.
Subchapter 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS.

§State motto

The state motto shall be "Dirigo" (I direct or I guide).