Coat of arms of Yale University
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (November 2015) |
The Yale University coat of arms is the primary emblem of Yale University. It has a field of the color Yale Blue with an open book and the Hebrew words Urim and Thummim inscribed upon it in Hebrew letters.[1] Below the shield on a ribbon appears Yale's official motto, Lux et Veritas (Latin for "Light and Truth").
History
The first known seal of Yale appears on the master's diploma of its future president Ezra Stiles in 1746. In addition to the Hebrew words "Urim ve'Thummim" inscribed on two books on a shield, it had the Latin words Lux et Veritas surrounding the shield.
The Hebrew words Urim and Thummim are used due to a belief among scholars at the time that "Light and Truth" was an adequate translation for these words.[2]
See also
Sources
- ^ "How Hebrew Came to Yale". www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ "Yale Alumni Magazine: The Yale Seal (March 2001)". archives.yalealumnimagazine.com. Retrieved 2015-11-24.