Hi! Welcome to “Dusty Phrases.” You will find a phrase below, in one ancient language or another, along with its English translation. You may also find the power to inspire your friends or provoke dread among your enemies.For other examples, visit HERE:
_____________________________
Latin:
Regnat populus
English:
The people rule
This phrase is either optimistic, or ominous, depending on one’s perspective on “the people.” However, the phrase was certainly intended to be positive. As you might have guessed, Regnat populus is a motto. In fact, it is the state motto of the great state of Arkansas, home of the Razorbacks!
In addition to the Hogs, and being home to the corporate HQ of Wal-Mart, Arkansas is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S., with one of their other mottos being “The Natural State” ( a reference to the mountains, trees, rivers, etc., which cover much of its landscape.)
When I was a kid, I visited Magic Springs Theme and Water Park, in Hot Springs, Arkansas and thoroughly enjoyed myself. As an adult, I’ve had enjoyable times in Bentonville and in Little Rock (home of the Clinton Presidential Library.) If you haven’t been, you should go.
But back on topic, this Latin motto has a somewhat funny backstory. For its first 40 years, the Latin on the state seal was wrong. The seal was changed in 1907 to correct the Latin from Regnant populi to Regnat populus.
Honest mistake, really. But I guess it took a few decades for someone well-versed in Latin to point it out.
It looks like they hid the Latin a little bit in the 1907 redesign, just in case, but I like the redesign, anyway.
(more on the design via wiki)
Title 1 of the Arkansas Code specifies that the seal “shall present the following impressions, devices and emblems, to wit: An eagle at the bottom, holding a scroll in its beak, inscribed ‘Regnat populus,’ a bundle of arrows in one claw and an olive branch in the other; a shield covering the breast of the eagle, engraved with a steamboat at top, a beehive and plow in the middle, and sheaf of wheat at the bottom; the Goddess of Liberty at the top, holding a wreath in her right hand, a pole in the left hand, surmounted by a liberty cap, and surrounded by a circle of stars outside of which is a circle of rays; the figure of an angel on the left, inscribed ‘Mercy,’ and a sword on the right hand, inscribed ‘Justice,’ surrounded with the words ‘Seal of the State of Arkansas.’ ”