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State Mottos

A list of US state slogans is available, as well as a list of US state nicknames, origin of the state names, and the state resident's names.

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Virginia Symbols

Virginia State Motto

"Sic Semper Tyrannis"

(Thus Always to Tyrants)

Adopted in 1776.

Language: Latin

See Virginia State Seal

Virginia's state motto was adopted as an element of its official seal. The Virginia State Motto, adopted in 1776, appears on the State Seal, symbolizing victory over tyranny.

Virginia's motto is Sic semper Tyrannis, meaning Thus ever unto tyrants. This is the original motto recommended for the Seal of Virginia by George Mason to the Virginia Convention in 1776. It has no literary origin of note.

Code

Code of Virginia, Title 7.1, Chapter 4, Section 7.1-26.

Title 7.1 - BOUNDARIES, JURISDICTION AND EMBLEMS OF THE COMMONWEALTH....
Chapter 4 - Seals and Flag of the Commonwealth.

§ 7.1-26. The great seal.

The great seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall consist of two metallic discs, two and one-fourth inches in diameter, with an ornamental border one fourth of an inch wide, with such words and figures engraved thereon as will, when used, produce impressions to be described as follows: On the obverse, Virtus, the genius of the Commonwealth, dressed as an Amazon, resting on a spear in her right hand, point downward, touching the earth; and holding in her left hand, a sheathed sword, or parazonium, pointing upward; her head erect and face upturned; her left foot on the form of Tyranny represented by the prostrate body of a man, with his head to her left, his fallen crown nearby, a broken chain in his left hand, and a scourge in his right. Above the group and within the border conforming therewith, shall be the word "Virginia," and, in the space below, on a curved line, shall be the motto, "Sic Semper Tyrannis." On the reverse, shall be placed a group consisting of Libertas, holding a wand and pileus in her right hand; on her right, Aeternitas, with a globe and phoenix in her right hand; on the left of Libertas, Ceres, with a cornucopia in her left hand, and an ear of wheat in her right; over this device, in a curved line, the word "Perseverando."

(Code 1950, § 7-26; 1966, c. 102.)

Mottos of the States

State motto is a word, phrase, or sentence inscribed on or attached to a coin, building, or other object. A state motto expresses an important idea for a group of people within the state.

motto ('mä-(")tO)
n.

Etymology:
Italian, from Late Latin muttum grunt, from Latin muttire to mutter
Date: 15th century

1: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use

2: a short expression of a guiding principle