New
Jersey's state seal
was designed by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere and presented
in May of 1777. There are several state symbols included
in the seal. The horse head stands for speed and strength,
and is the state animal. The helmet of a knight's suit of
armor faces forward representing sovereignty for a state
that governs itself. Below the helmet is a shield with three
plows on it. The plows show the importance of agriculture
to the state's economic power.
The
female figures pictured in the state seal are Liberty
on the left, carrying the liberty cap on her staff. The
liberty cap was worn as a symbol of rebellion by patriots
in the colonies. Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain
is on the right. She holds a cornucopia filled with harvested
produce, symbolizing abundance. Below it all is a banner
with the state's motto, "Liberty and Prosperity".
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