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as "Out of many, One" illustrating the Union formed by these States. The United States is after all, many states which make up a single nation.

The arrows and the olive branch represent two diametrically opposing principles that help to establish and maintain a nation; war and peace. The symbol of the arrows held together was adopted from the Iroquois Confederacy which influenced much of American democracy. The symbolism of the thirteen arrows was directly lifted off the Iroquois League. The Iroquois used the image of seven arrows which represented the seven different 'tribes' who composed the Iroquois League. The symbolism is used to teach that one arrow alone (a single tribe) is easily broken, but all seven held together in a single common defense are much more difficult to break. The Founders of the US used the same symbolism, altered slightly to account for all the 13 United States.

The olive branch is an ancient symbol of peace and vitality from western cultures. It was used widely by the ancient Mesopotamians, Greeks, Egyptians, Hebrews, Romans and Persians. The olive has been a widely adored fruit, the oil of which was anciently claimed to have many healthful and spiritual properties. The many designers of this seal used these two images of both the "Old World" and the "New World" to symbolize the integration of the New Nation, based on both European and Native American ideals.

The bald eagle, the national bird of the United States was also adopted from interaction with Native Americans. Many traditional Native American communities have considered the bald eagle the most sacred of all birds and a symbol of the Creator. The founders of the United States in imitation of their Indian neighbors adopted the bald eagle as the greatest symbol of freedom and liberty and the highest aspirations of the new nation.

The escutcheon resting on the eagle's chest contains the symbol of the American flag. The last man who helped design the seal, Charles Thomson described the meaning behind the colors of the flag and the other symbols in this manner;

"The colours of the pales are those used in the flag of the United States of
America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and
Blue, the colour of the Chief signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice. The
Olive branch and arrows denote the power of peace & war which is exclusively
vested in Congress. The Constellation denotes a new State taking its
place and rank among other sovereign powers. The Escutcheon

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