South Carolina State Motto

The South Carolina State Motto
The South Carolina motto was adopted in 1776 and is expressed in Latin as "Dum spiro spero" which means:

"While I breathe, I hope"

The Meaning of the South Carolina State Motto
The meaning of this famous motto is taken from a quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC). South Carolina actually has two mottos as can be seen in the picture of the seal. The less well known motto is "Animis Opibusque Parati" which means "prepared in mind and resources." The two mottos combine the aspirations and the practical nature of the people of South Carolina. N.B. The palmetto tree symbolizes victory in a battle against the British fought from a fort made of palmetto logs during the revolutionary war.

"While I breathe, I hope"

The South Carolina State Nickname
The South Carolina Motto is complimented by a less formal, popular South Carolina nickname which, combined with the motto, are highly descriptive of the people, the geography and the history of the state. The names used as nicknames are:

South Carolina State Nickname List
	Official Nickname: Palmetto State
	The Rice State
	The Swamp State

George Washington

The Origin and Meaning of the South Carolina Nicknames
The American citizens who live in, or who come from South Carolina, are referred to as South Carolinians. The history, origin and meaning of each of the state's nicknames are as follows:

The Palmetto State
The official nickname of the Palmetto State is explained in the above description of the motto.

The Rice State
Rice Plantations were established in the 1700's and was one of the main cash crops and commodity exports. Rice was a difficult crop to cultivate but the owners of the slave plantations mastered its culture by following the example of rice cultivation in Africa with information provided by their African slaves. Rice is still important to the economy of the state.

The Swamp State
The Swamp nickname is a reference to the waterlogged swamplands in the area.

The Constitution of South Carolina
The constitution of South Carolina establishes the basic rights of its citizens and echoes the words and sentiments of the motto. The preamble (opening) of the constitution is as follows:

"We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in Convention assembled, grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the preservation and perpetuation of the same."

Preamble of the Constitution of South Carolina

South Carolina State Motto for Kids

	Learn the meaning of the motto for kids
	"While I breathe, I hope"
	Find the meaning of the Motto and nickname
	Meaning, History and Origin of the motto for kids
	Meaning, origin and history of the nickname
	Interesting facts, info and picture of the flag
	Official Nickname "Palmetto State"
	Meaning of the motto and nickname for schools, kids and children

Abraham Lincoln

South Carolina State Motto and Nickname for Kids

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