Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum. It is a Latin phrase that appears on the back of the United States one-dollar bill. It is often translated as "He (God) has favored our undertakings, a new order of the ages." But what does it really mean? Let's dive into the history and translation of this mysterious phrase.
The History of Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum
The phrase Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum was first introduced by Charles Thomson, a Latin scholar and the Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1782. Thomson was tasked with designing the Great Seal of the United States, a symbol that would represent America's independence and sovereignty.
Thomson drew inspiration from classical and biblical imagery to create the seal, including the phrase Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum. The phrase was meant to convey the idea of a new beginning for America, a new order of the ages that would be favored by God.
The Translation of Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum
The translation of Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum is often the subject of debate among scholars and conspiracy theorists. The most commonly accepted translation is "He (God) has favored our undertakings, a new order of the ages."
This translation is based on the Latin words used in the phrase. Annuit Coeptis means "He (God) has favored our undertakings" or "God has nodded at our beginnings." Novus Ordo Seclorum means "a new order of the ages" or "a new era has begun."
Some conspiracy theorists have suggested alternative translations of the phrase, such as "Announcing the birth of a new world order" or "Our enterprise is crowned with success, a new era dawns."
The Symbolism of Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum
The phrase Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum is just one part of the Great Seal of the United States. The seal also features an eagle, a shield, and a pyramid with an eye above it, all surrounded by the words "The Great Seal of the United States."
The eagle represents strength and freedom, while the shield represents defense. The pyramid with the eye above it, known as the Eye of Providence, is often associated with God's watchful eye over the nation.
Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum is positioned above the pyramid and the Eye of Providence, suggesting that God's favor is blessing the new order of the ages.
The Use of Latin in American Symbols
The use of Latin in American symbols, such as the Great Seal of the United States, is not uncommon. Latin was the language of the Roman Empire and was widely used in Europe during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods.
The Founding Fathers of the United States were heavily influenced by these periods, and Latin was seen as a symbol of knowledge, education, and intellectualism. The use of Latin in American symbols was also meant to evoke a sense of timelessness and permanence.
The Controversy Surrounding Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum
Despite the seemingly innocent meaning of Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum, the phrase has been the subject of many conspiracy theories and controversies over the years.
Some conspiracy theorists believe that the phrase is evidence of a secret society or group that controls the world's governments and financial systems. They claim that the phrase is a coded message that reveals the true intentions of this group.
However, there is no evidence to support these claims, and most scholars agree that the phrase is simply a symbol of America's independence and sovereignty.
In Conclusion
Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum is a Latin phrase that appears on the back of the United States one-dollar bill. It was first introduced by Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress, in 1782 as part of the Great Seal of the United States.
The phrase is often translated as "He (God) has favored our undertakings, a new order of the ages" and is meant to convey the idea of a new beginning for America, a new order of the ages that would be favored by God.
The use of Latin in American symbols, such as the Great Seal of the United States, is not uncommon and was meant to evoke a sense of knowledge, education, and timelessness.
Despite the controversy and conspiracy theories surrounding Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum, the phrase remains an important symbol of America's independence and sovereignty.