Arizona’s Motto Has Meant God Enriches Since Before Statehood In 1912

Arizona's identity has always been tied to the landscapes, the miners, and the agriculture. The state motto is Ditat Deus appears on the Great Seal of Arizona and reflects the things that make Arizona what it is. What does this phrase mean, and how did it come to be?

blue red and yellow flag

History

The phrase Ditat Deus is Latin for God Enriches. It first appeared in 1863 when Arizona was still a territory. Richard McCormick, the territory's secretary, placed this phrase on the seal in the hopes of linking Arizona's future with the idea of divine enrichment.

For nearly half a century, this motto served the Arizona territory. When Arizona achieved its statehood in 1912, the phrase was retained on the newly adopted great seal. Ditat Deus is still the state motto today!

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Imagry

The imagery on the state seal reinforces the meaning of the motto. It features a miner representing the plentiful ore in the state. It features a reservoir, the sun, mountains, and a dam representing the land and man-made growth.

In the middle of the seal, there is an irrigation field and an orchard, representing Arizona's rich agriculture. On the bottom right of the seal, there are grazing cattle, representing the numerous ranchers found in Arizona.

READ: Why The Petrified Forest Is A Gem Of Arizona’s History

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Today

Today, the motto still stands alongside Arizona. "Ditat Deus" appears on the Great Seal of Arizona, official documents, government buildings, and is a key element of the state's identity. It is protected by the law, meaning usage of the Great Seal without proper governemnt approval, can result in a Class 3 misdemenor.

The state motto and seal is more then a historical artificat, it reflects early life in the territory, honors natures gifts, and highlights the hard workers who make this state what it is. In a state defined by the sun and dry ground, god enriches remains a fitting tribute to Arizona's past, present, and future.

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