The official seal of the Marshall Islands was approved in 1986. Follows is what is symbolizes:
The centerpiece is the Angel of Peace with outstretched wings. Around the angel from the top and moving clockwise are the following…
First, is the 24-point star representing the 21 municipalities of the Republic. The four long rays represent the four sub-centers of Majuro, Jaluit, Wotje and Kwajalein.
Next, on either side of the star are the rays which are on the flag. Each ray is of two colors, one orange, representing bravery and the other white representing peace. The two-colored rays also represent the two chains of the atolls, the Ratak (Sunrise) and the Ralik (Sunset).
Above the left wing of the angel is a fishing net, representing fish being the main staple of the diet of the Marshallese.
Below the wing is an outrigger canoe.
Under the angel is a stick chart used for navigation.
Under the angel’s right wing is an island with coconut tree. All of the Marshall Islands are low lying atolls covered with coconut trees.
Above the right wing of the Angel is a “pounder”, made out of a giant clam shell and treasured by every family that owns one. The pounder is used to pound pandanus leaves, which are used for making mats, sails and traditional clothing mats (jaki-ed).
Around the outer edges of the Marshallese Seal are the words “Republic of the Marshall Islands” and at the bottom is the national motto, Jepilpilin ke Ejukaan, which is defined as Accomplishment through joint effort.
The rim of the seal is a link chain representing that the islands are all linked together, half of the chain representing the Ralik group and the other half the Ratak.
Source: Marshallese Manit: Spreading Marshallese Culture Bit by Bit. Marshallese Manit is sent out every other weekend. Its goal is to stimulate thought and discussion about the Marshall Islands. If you identify any errors, would like to suggest a future topic or want to actually write a topic, please send an email to editors@marshallese-manit.org.
Photo credit: Thank you, Deo Keju, for allowing me to use your beautiful photos of atolls in the Marshall Islands!
