Some thoughts tonight on fear of the number thirteen and the great seal of the United States.
We just passed a Friday the 13th and we just passed an anniversary of sorts. On June 20th, 1782 congress officially proclaimed and sanctioned the great seal.
There are some esoteric surprises about this symbol and the number 13 is purposely prominent.
Take out a dollar bill. Look at the back side. In the two circles you will find both the front and reverse side of the great seal.
Look at the eagle. In the left talon he holds 13 arrows. In the right talon, an olive branch. On it, 13 leaves and 13 berries. The ribbon in the eagles beak contains the Latin phrase "E Pluribus Unum". Count the letters. Thirteen!
The other side of the seal show an unfinished pyramid. Count the steps. Thirteen. The inscription "Annuit Coeptis: also contains thirteen letters.
Given the great success of this country, perhaps thirteen is not unlucky by its nature.
Perhaps it responds to the energy we give it. Like so many things, our response to something or someone, is directly related to the quality of our input.
Being positive or negative is a choice.
2 comments:
I'm not an expert on American history, especially when regarding currency, however I don't believe that 13 was used prominently in the Great Seal because it was thought to be a good omen or that it was a bad omen. I think it make complete since that it was used because 13 is the number of original colonies. Now, this doesn't dismiss your point that 13 isn't necessarily an unlucky number, just that I don't think I fully understand your logic. You almost make it seem like you believe the number 13 was in the Great Seal to dismiss the myth. I could be wrong, and could have read into it incorrectly, just felt like I should give my two cents on why the number 13 is there, and not on what it means.
Well, for what it's worth, happy Friday the 13th to you today. Hope nothing tragic - or at least unfortunate - happens to the readers today. :)
---------
OliviaB.
Seattle DUI lawyer
Post a Comment