Great Seal > Symbols > Glory The Glory "Glory" is a heraldic term for an emanation of light rays, usually golden colored. It is the only symbolic element incorporated into both sides of the Great Seal. A glory breaks through a cloud surrounding the constellation of stars over the eagle's head, and a glory surrounds the eye in a triangle in the zenith of an unfinished pyramid. The Great Seal's designers must have considered the glory an important symbol. Each of their preliminary designs included a glory. First Committee (1776): The Eye of Providence is in a "radiant Triangle whose Glory extends over the Shield, and on the reverse side are "Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Cloud." Second Committee (1780): Rays of light appear below the clouds, and on the reverse they emanate from Liberty's cap. Third Committee (1782): The Genius of America wears "a radiated Crown of Gold," and on the reverse the Eye is "surrounded with a Glory." Final Design (1782): In Charles Thomson's sketch, the light rays extend throughout the seal and upon the eagle rising. The glory symbolizes the light of Providence and together with the eye and motto Annuit Coeptis "allude to the many signal interpositions of providence in favor of the American cause." – Official explanation "Crepuscular rays" are the natural equivalent to the glory. According to the official description of the Great Seal, the glory is supposed to be "breaking through a cloud" over the eagle's head. Early illustrations were faithful to this design detail, especially the Indian Peace Medals given by President Washington. But almost all U.S. government versions show the light rays being blocked by the cloud. The exception is the Great Seal Centennial Medal of 1882. Great Seal Symbols | Mottoes History | Myths