Puerto Rico's Seal
The seal of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a heraldic emblem steeped in history and symbolism, tracing its origins to the early 16th century when the Spanish Crown first granted Puerto Rico its coat of arms. The current seal retains many of those original figures, serving as a lasting testament to the island’s colonial past and its enduring cultural identity.
At the center of the seal is a green field, symbolizing hope and vitality, within which stands a white lamb—a powerful representation of purity, peace, and spiritual unity. The lamb holds a white flag with a red cross, known as the Cross of Jerusalem, and rests on the Book of Revelation, sealed with the seven seals, referencing Christian faith and doctrine. This sacred imagery ties the seal to Puerto Rico’s early Christianization and its religious roots.
Above the lamb is a gold rack of arrows, symbolizing strength through unity and creative force. Flanking this are the initials "F" and "I", which stand for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain—the monarchs who funded Christopher Columbus's voyages and under whose reign Puerto Rico was discovered in 1493.
Surrounding the central green circle is a border rich with heraldic elements. The castles and lions represent the Kingdoms of Castile and León, symbolizing the unity and might of Spain. The Crosses of Jerusalem and Spanish flags further emphasize the island’s deep-rooted Hispanic and Catholic heritage.
The Latin inscription, "JOHANNES EST NOMEN EJUS," meaning "John is his name," honors the original name of the island—San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist)—bestowed upon it by Columbus. Though the name of the island later changed to Puerto Rico, San Juan remains the name of the capital city, preserving that legacy.
Together, the elements of the seal convey Puerto Rico’s colonial origins, religious influences, and the enduring impact of its Spanish heritage. Today, the seal stands as one of the oldest continuously used heraldic emblems in the Western Hemisphere and remains a proud symbol of Puerto Rican identity.
