I've just looked at a dollar bill after someone said the eagle holds an olive branch in its claw. Had the arrows been liberated from the native americans or are they bunker busters for own use?
2006-08-12 05:01:50 · 13 answers · asked by mutaali t 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
If you look closely the olive branch has 13 leaves, symbolizing the 13 original colonies. And in the other claw there are 13 arrows, again symbolizing the 13 original colonies. These symbols indicate that these 13 colonies were independent and wishing to live in peace (olive branch) but would defend themselves if need be (arrows).
NOTE: The arrows are held in the left claw and the olive branch is held in the right claw. In heraldry the left is known as sinister and right is known as dexter. Also note the eagle's head is turned to the right (dexter).
Dexter in heraldry is a sign of peace. Sinister in heraldry is a sign of war.
2006-08-12 05:14:45 · answer #1 · answered by Albannach 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
eRumor: Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive branch and arrows. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows.
The Truth: The official meaning is that the olive branch and the arrows "denote the power of peace & war." As noted above, the design has been with the eagle facing the arrows except for when President Harry Truman turned the face toward the olive branch on the Presidential Seal.
2006-08-12 14:33:10 · answer #2 · answered by ldyrhiannon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, there are thirteen of them, each standing for the colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. While there may be some First Nations influence on the choice of symbol, the real meaning is that it is much harder to break all 13 arrows bundled together than it is to break each separately. Hence, it refers to the Union in times of defence.
2006-08-12 12:07:51 · answer #3 · answered by Ѕємι~Мαđ ŠçїєŋŧιѕТ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the olive branch mean peace, but you cannot have peace unless you are willing to defend it. the school yard bully stays a bully until someone stands up to him. if we had not stood up for freedom and peace the world would be ruled by Hitler today. if we had not stock up to the U.S.S.R. where would our freedom be, you sure wouldn't be able to criticize the government today.
2006-08-12 12:14:42 · answer #4 · answered by Hannah's Grandpa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
olive branch=peace, arrows=war. Get it?
2006-08-12 15:58:30 · answer #5 · answered by razorblade_love 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the arrows symbolise war.the olive branch.......ammm.........i think it's for peace. it is so messed up.actually if you counted the arrows they are 13 arrows for the original 13 states. all the states love war?
2006-08-12 13:17:18 · answer #6 · answered by d_067 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the olive branches are representing peace...the arrows represent defending the peace...
2006-08-12 13:04:56 · answer #7 · answered by xtcsathena 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Under the current regime, the arrows are to be thrown at anyone who won't give up their land and oil.
2006-08-12 12:06:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
To Protect your Freedom, You must be prepaird for war..
Walk softly, but carry a big stick..
You have a door on your house, but you have a lock on the door .. Why ?
That will answer your question.
2006-08-12 12:07:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
THATS THE WAY I SEE IT MOJOMAMA THE ARROWS ARE JUST A LITTLE INSENTIVE TO TAKE THE OLIVE BRANCH AND IF ARROWS DONT PHASE EM WEVE GOT SOME BIG *** NUKES. PEACE N LOVE YALL
2006-08-12 12:07:29 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋