Shortly after America’s independence in 1776, states like New Mexico began to adopt their own official state seal, motto, nickname, and more, which are all used to symbolize and represent the uniqueness of each state and what they stand for.
What does the New Mexico state seal represent? The New Mexico state seal shows a Mexican eagle holding a snake in its beak and the cactus in its talons resembles the ancient Aztec myth and symbolizes the respect New Mexico still has for its Spanish, Mexican, and Native American traditions.
Great State Seal of New Mexico
The Mexican eagle on the seal is being shielded by a larger eagle, the American eagle, with outstretched wings and grasping hold of arrows in its talons. This symbolizes the change of sovereignty in 1846 between Mexico and the United States, it also showcases America’s protection of New Mexico.
“Crescit eundo” is Latin for “It grows as it goes.” This is also the state’s official motto and was derived from a poem which references a thunderbolt increasing in strength as it continues its journey across the sky. The official state seal was adopted in 1913, one year after the state was officially admitted to the union.
Most states will have their seals showcase a relevant story, that is indicative of the state and its history, and the Land of Enchantment puts its history and what it stands for across very well in its state seal. The Great Seal of the State of New Mexico is a vivid symbol of all that embodies the state!
