Nova Scotia Motto: Munit Haec et Altera Vincit
PROVINCIAL MOTTO:
• Latin: "Munit haec et altera vincit"
• English: "One defends and the other conquers"
• Alternative: "This [hand] fortifies and the other conquers"
• Adopted: 1625 (Sir William Alexander's coat of arms)
• Provincial Status: Official since Nova Scotia's founding
Historical Origins
SIR WILLIAM ALEXANDER (1567-1640):
• 1st Earl of Stirling
• Granted Nova Scotia by King James VI/I (1621)
• Created baronetcies to fund colonization
• Original coat of arms included the motto
• Never personally visited Nova Scotia
Meaning and Interpretation
LITERAL TRANSLATION:
• "Munit" = fortifies, defends, protects
• "Haec" = this (feminine, referring to hand/province)
• "Et" = and
• "Altera" = the other (feminine)
• "Vincit" = conquers, overcomes, wins
SYMBOLIC INTERPRETATION:
• Represents balance of defense and offense
• One hand holds shield (defense)
• Other hand wields sword (conquest)
• Maritime strategy: Protect harbors, control seas
• Modern meaning: Building while protecting heritage
Coat of Arms Context
NOVA SCOTIA COAT OF ARMS ELEMENTS:
• Shield: Scottish royal arms reversed
• Crown: Royal authority
• Supporters: Unicorn (Scotland) and First Nations figure
• Motto: Appears on ribbon below shield
• Compartment: May flowers and thistles
Scottish Heritage
SCOTTISH CONNECTION:
• "Nova Scotia" = New Scotland
• Motto reflects Scottish martial tradition
• Clan warfare: Defense and conquest strategy
• Highland regiments: Military heritage
• Alexander family arms incorporated Scottish symbols
Colonial Period Usage
17TH-19TH CENTURIES:
• Used on official documents and seals
• Military units adopted variations
• Government buildings displayed coat of arms
• Legal documents bore provincial seal
• Currency and stamps featured motto
Modern Applications
CURRENT USAGE:
• Province House: Carved in stone
• Official documents: Government letterhead
• Military units: Nova Scotia regiments
• Universities: Ceremonial usage
• Tourism materials: Cultural identity marker
Comparison with Other Provincial Mottos
ATLANTIC CANADA MOTTOS:
• New Brunswick: "Spem Reduxit" (Hope was restored)
• Prince Edward Island: "Parva sub ingenti" (The small under the protection of the great)
• Newfoundland and Labrador: "Quaerite prime regnum Dei" (Seek ye first the kingdom of God)
Cultural Significance
IDENTITY AND VALUES:
• Resilience: Defending what matters
• Progress: Conquering new challenges
• Balance: Preservation and innovation
• Maritime spirit: Navigating and exploring
• Military tradition: Honor and service
Tourism and Heritage Sites
WHERE TO SEE THE MOTTO:
• Province House National Historic Site (Halifax)
• Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
• Nova Scotia Archives
• Government House (Lieutenant Governor's residence)
• Various military museums
Educational Context
SCHOOL CURRICULUM:
• Grade 3 Social Studies: Provincial symbols
• High School History: Colonial heritage
• Latin programs: Translation exercises
• Citizenship ceremonies: Provincial identity
• Heritage education: Cultural continuity
Related Provincial Symbols
OTHER NOVA SCOTIA SYMBOLS:
• Flower: Mayflower (trailing arbutus)
• Bird: Osprey
• Tree: Red spruce
• Tartan: Nova Scotia Tartan (blue and green)
• Gemstone: Agate