Great Seal of Connecticut with the state motto "Qui Transtulit Sustinet"

Qui transtulit sustinet (Latin "He who transplanted sustains", also "He Who Transplanted Still Sustains" or "He Who Transplanted Continues to Sustain") is a state motto of Connecticut depicted on a blue ribbon below the grapevines. This image depicts a seal, an emblem, a coat of arms or a crest. ... This image depicts a seal, an emblem, a coat of arms or a crest. ... Latin was the language originally spoken in the region around Rome called Latium. ... Here is a list of state mottos for the states of the United States. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

History of motto

The current motto looks a little different than of 1639 version (c.f. Sustinet qui transtulit). It was first seen in the colonies in 1639 on a seal brought from England by Colonel George Fenwick. The meaning of the motto was explained on April 23, 1775 in a letter stamped in Whethersfield, Connecticut: "We fix on our Standards and Drums the Colony arms, with the motto, Qui Transtulit Sustinet, round it in letters of gold, which we construe thus: God, who transplanted us hither, will support us". Events January 14 - Connecticuts first constitution, the Fundamental Orders, is adopted. ... Events January 14 - Connecticuts first constitution, the Fundamental Orders, is adopted. ... Sir George Fenwick (1 February 1847 - 23 September 1929) was a New Zealand newspaper proprieter and editor. ... April 23 is the 113th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (114th in leap years). ... 1775 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

However, this explanation for the origin of the motto is questionable. In 1889, State Librarian Charles J. Hoadly published an article, "The Public Seal of Connecticut" that indicated the 80th Psalm as a possible source. The article stated: 1889 (MDCCCLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ...

"The vines [on the State Seal] symbolize the Colony brought over and planted here in the wilderness. We read in the 80th Psalm: 'Thou has brought a vine out of Egypt: Thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it" - in Latin, 'Vineam de Aegypto transtulisti, ejicisti gentes et plantasti eam'; and the motto expresses our belief that He who brought over the vine continues to take care of it - Qui transtulit sustinet".

Great Seal of the State of Connecticut

The grapevines are said to represent more specifically either early towns or the early individual colonies. Some 19th century versions of the Connecticut Great Seal show several grapevines. The best answer today is that the grapevines should be taken to represent the three original colonies of Connecticut: (Hartford), Quinnipiac, (New-Haven) and Saybrook.

References

• State of Connecticut - Sites, Seals and Symbols. Connecticut State Register & Manual. www.ct.gov (2005-8-25). Retrieved on 2006-10-24.