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Form of Government | City Symbols | City Seal

MEANING OF THE STAR IN THE CITY SEAL

History of the Star as part of the Seal

The Seal of the City of Portland was adopted in 1878 by Ordinance No. 2184. An impression of the seal included in the ordinance includes a six-pointed star above the head of the female figure holding a trident. The description identifies the female figure as representing commerce. Other elements are self-evident such as the sheaf of wheat, forest, mountain, river with a sailing ship or steamship, but the star has no clear meaning. The text of the ordinance does not mention the star.

In 1879, an article in the West Shore Magazine, criticized the seal for its clumsiness and lack of association with Portland. About the star, the author said only, "Her feet and the star on her head are simply immense."

An ordinance changing the size of the seal but otherwise leaving it unchanged was passed in 1918.

In 1964 the City Council standardized and made official the 1878 version with the six-pointed star. Prior to this standardization, the seal had appeared in various interpretations on city publications and departmental letterheads, sometimes with a five pointed star or even without the star.

Significance of the Star is a Mystery

A 1971 informal note in the Archives suggested a possible interpretation. The note, attached to a clipping from the Oregonian on the 1964 ordinance, said, "Star over her head is the star of David – related to an old, old Ordinance that somehow ties in commerce with the Star of David." The note is dated 4-09-71 and signed with the initials D.D. (Probably not David Duniway, State Archivist from 1946 to 1972.) We have searched the City Archives database which includes the titles of all ordinances from 1851 to 1910, and do not find any "old, old ordinance" regarding the seal other than the original 1878 ordinance.

The politically incorrect stereotypical linking of commerce with the Jewish Star of David did not appear in print. In 1974 an article appeared in the Oregonian’s Northwest Magazine which declared that "the significance of the six-pointed star (or five-pointed—any star) is a mystery."

Star as Sign and Symbol

On the theory that perhaps the star over the head was part of the symbolism of a figure representing commerce, we researched several dictionaries of symbolism in the Multnomah County Library.

Symbols for commerce and industry in art, literature and mythology do not include the star. The trident and the caduceus (a three-pronged fork or a staff with entwined snakes as is seen in the emblem of medicine) are the most frequently referenced symbols for commerce and industry. A dolphin with a trident symbolizes freedom of commerce. (Reverse Symbolism Dictionary, p. 24) A caduceus in a woman’s hand represents felicity; peace; concord; security; fortune. (Symbolism: A Comprehensive Dictionary, p. 19)

The star, however, is a frequent symbol in religions, flags, badges, coats of arms and decoration:

  • The star symbolizes light in darkness and wisdom shining through ignorance. To many people stars are the spirits of the dead, set in the sky. To "reach for the stars" is to set the highest goal. In the US the star is a badge of honor. (Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols, p. 19)
  • Star. The presence of a divinity; supremacy; the eternal; the undying; the highest attainment; an angelic messenger of a god; hope (as shine in darkness); the eyes of the night. The six-pointed star depicts the Creation and is also the Seal of Solomon. It is the combination of the masculine and feminine triangles and of fire and water. (Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols, p. 159)
  • Seal of Solomon. The six-pointed star, one of the most powerful magical symbols of all time, combines the alchemical signs for fire and water. As the water descends and the fire ascends, air and earth are created. The seal, therefore, represents the union of the four elements in the quest for the Philosopher’s Stone. (Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols, p. 108)
  • Star of David. Allied to Jewish mysticism, the star of David is made up of two triangles, the upward-pointing being the sun, fire, and masculine energy; the downward-pointing the moon, water, and female energy. (Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols, p. 16)

New Meaning for the Seal

Since it appears that the significance of the star in the City Seal truly remains a mystery and has never been stated, perhaps now is the time to develop an official interpretation, drawing on traditional and cultural elements. For example, we could say: The star in the City Seal represents supremacy and the highest attainment. The six-pointed star is the combination of the masculine and feminine triangles and of fire and water: the upward-pointing being the sun, fire, and masculine energy; the downward-pointing the moon, water, and female energy. Or, to state it in more modern terms, the star represents excellence, inclusiveness, and environmental balance.

As for the figure of Lady Commerce, we could adopt the description of caduceus or trident in a woman’s hand representing "felicity, peace, concord, security, fortune." In today’s world, commerce is only one of the elements in what makes Portland successful after 150 years.

Liisa Fagerlund, Former City Recorder
December 18, 2000

Form of Government | City Symbols | City Seal


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