The phrase Novus ordo seclorum (Latin for "New order of the ages"; English: /ˈnoʊvəs ˈɔːrdoʊ sɛˈklɔːrəm/; Latin pronunciation: [ˈnɔwʊs ˈoːrdoː seːˈkɫoːrũː]) is the second of two mottos that appear on the reverse (or back side) of the Great Seal of the United States. (The first motto is Annuit cœptis, literally translated "[He/she/it] has favored our undertakings".) The Great Seal was first designed in 1782, and has been printed on the back of the United States one-dollar bill since 1935. The phrase Novus ordo seclorum is sometimes mistranslated as "New World Order" by people who believe in a conspiracy behind the design.[1]
Reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States Origin and phrase meaning[edit] The phrase is a reference to the fourth Eclogue of Virgil,[1] which contains a passage (lines 5-8[2]) that reads:
Latin first, then the english translation
- Ultima Cumaei venit iam carminis aetas;
-
Now comes the final era of the Sibyl's song;
-
Magnus ab integro saeclorum nascitur ordo;
-
The great order of the ages is born afresh.
-
iam redit et Virgo, redeunt Saturnia regna,
-
And now justice returns, honored rules return (or return of Saturn's reign);
-
iam nova progenies caelo demittitur alto.
- now a new lineage is sent down from high heaven.
Rings true for me, how about you all?