The great seal of the state of Delaware is one of the state symbols of the state of Delaware , USA . It was adopted on January 17, 1777. Small changes were made to her appearance in 1793, 1847 and 1907 [1] . The modern version was approved in 2004 [2] .
The seal contains a national emblem surrounded by an inscription.
Coat of Arms
The seal of Delaware has an image of a coat of arms, in the center of which is a shield with colored stripes. A sheaf and an ear of corn are shown on the upper strip of the shield. The lower lane depicts a bull standing on the grass. Above the shield is a floating ship. Hold the shield: the farmer on the left and the military on the right. Under the shield is the motto of the state. Elements of the coat of arms have the following symbols [3] :
- The sheaf is taken from the press of Sussex County , and symbolizes state agriculture.
- A corncob is taken from the Kent County seal and symbolizes the staple of the state’s economy.
- The blue bar on the shield symbolizes the Delaware River .
- The bull symbolizes the importance of animal husbandry in the state economy.
- The ship symbolizes shipbuilding and maritime trade.
- A farmer with a hoe symbolizes state farming.
- A militia with a musket symbolizes the role of militias in protecting civil liberties.
- The motto “Liberty and Independence” was introduced by the , formed in 1783.