Furthermore, the only Mason among the members of the various design committees for the Great Seal was Benjamin Franklin, whose ideas for the seal were not adopted. However, common Masonic use of the Eye dates to 14 years after the creation of the Great Seal. ![]() Popular among conspiracy theorists is the claim that the Eye of Providence shown atop an unfinished pyramid on the Great Seal of the United States indicates the influence of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States. Typically, the Masonic Eye of Providence has a semicircular glory below it, and is sometimes enclosed by a triangle. In this use, the Eye, representing the all-seeing eye of God, serves as a reminder that humanity's thoughts and deeds are always observed by God-who is referred to in Masonry as the Great Architect of the Universe. Today, the Eye of Providence is often associated with Freemasonry, first appearing as part of the standard Freemason iconography in 1797 with the publication of Thomas Smith Webb's The Freemason's Monitor. The Eye of Providence appears on several Lithuanian insignia, including:Īn early Masonic version of the Eye, with clouds and a semi-circular glory. the United States one-dollar bill, as part of the Great Seal.The Eye of Providence has been used among various forms of currency throughout U.S. Perhaps due to its use in the design of the Great Seal, the Eye has made its way into other American seals and logos, such as, for example: ![]() Such symbolism is explained through the motto that appears above the Eye, annuit cœptis, meaning "He approves undertakings" (or "has approved"). On the version of the seal that would eventually be approved, the Eye is positioned above an unfinished pyramid of thirteen steps (again symbolizing the original States, but also incorporating the nation's potential for future growth). In his original proposal to the committee, du Simitiere placed the Eye over shields so as to symbolize each of the original thirteen states of the Union. It was first proposed as an element of the Great Seal by the first of three design committees in 1776, and is thought to be the suggestion of the artistic consultant, Pierre Eugene du Simitiere, and at the time, was a conventional symbol for God’s benevolent oversight. ![]() In 1782, the Eye of Providence was adopted as part of the symbolism featured on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |