Yale University Logo (Seal)

It is evident that the Christian founders of Yale wanted to add a spiritual aspect to their new school, but many wonder why they chose to place Hebrew words on the university’s seal. Reverend Ezra Stiles, who was the president of the College from 1778 to 1795, made it compulsory for all freshmen to study the language. He believed that it was important for the bible to be studied through the language it was written in. It is then not surprising that he is responsible for the words Urim v'Thummim appearing at the center of the logo.

The Yale University seal exudes tradition. It consists of a blue shield, which is commonly used in seals in different organizations. The middle of the shield contains a book, which represents the Bible. Printed across the Bible are the Hebrew words Urim v'Thummim. The Bible is outlined in yellow. Under the shield is a curved banner that mimics the curve of the bottom of the shield. The banner contains the words Lux et Veritas. This logo seal has a simplistic design that conveys the history and values of the university. The use of contrasting colors, blue and yellow, white and black, make the seal stand out from the crowd – maybe reflecting the quality of their students.

There is much debate as to what these words actually mean. Experts have suggested that these words are related to ancient gem stones and minerals. Urim are thought to be light-colored rocks made of alabaster. Thummim are thought to be dark-colored rocks composed of hematite. Biblically, these rocks adorned a breast plate named The Breast Plate of Judgement, and was worn by the high priest of the Isrealites. The breast plate was used as an oracle, answering important questions that the community faced. For example, questions regarding warfare. Each stone signified an answer, for example, thummim for ‘yes’ and urim for ‘no.’

Scholars suggest that Urim can be directly translated to ‘lights’ or ‘lamps’ and Thurmmim to ‘truth’or ‘honesty.’ This translation matches the Latin words found on the banner at the bottom of the seal, Lux et Veritas .

It has often been suggested that Yale pinched Veritas from Harvard’s motto. But evidence has shown that Harvard did not incorporate the word into its seal until 1843, nearly a hundred years after the Yale University logo had been produced.

Looking at Yale University seal conjures many questions about the University and its history. The meaning of the Hebrew slogan continues to generate some debate today, but many scholars now concur with the common translations. The Yale University logo has become an emblem of pride, intelligence and accomplishment for each student that makes the walk along that stage to receive their hard earned diploma or degree.