Latin Mottos Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

This is a common feature of Latin mottos and often contributes to their enigmatic character. However, lack of context often contributes even more to the difficulty of interpreting the meaning.

Answer: A healthy mind in a healthy body

The phrase was first used by Juvenal. He wrote: 'Orandum est ut sit mens sana in corpore sano' (Satire X, ll. 356-64). In other words, 'It is to be prayed that the mind be healthy in a healthy body'. Various interpretations have been placed on this. Among the more common is the importance of balance in life and in lifestyle.

It was also been associated in the latter part of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century with 'muscular Christianity'.

Answer: Through ardour to the stars

The RAF website opts for 'Through adversity to the stars'.

The problem is 'ardua', which can be translated as 'adversity','hardship(s)', 'immense effort (or work)', 'struggle(s)'. 'By great endeavours even unto the very stars' is flowery but it not wrong.

Note also: 'Ad astra per aspera'. This is inscribed on the memorial plaque to the crew of Apollo 1, where it is translated as 'A rough road leads to the stars'. It is also the motto of the State of Kansas.

Answer: To each according to his (or her) merits

The earliest recorded use of these words is by Cicero: 'Justitia suum cuique distribuit' (De Natura Deorum, III, 38) - 'Justice renders to every man his due'.

'Each to his own', which is a very common mistranslation, means 'Each according to his own *taste*', which is something altogether different.

In 1701 'Suum Cuique' was adopted as the official motto of the newly founded Prussian Order of the Black Eagle. (It had appeared since the early 1680s on some Brandenburg coins). The German translation of 'Suum cuique' - 'Jedem das Seine' has been irrecovably compromised by the fact that it was the cynical motto of Buchenwald.

Answer: The Lord is my light

This motto is taken from a Latin version of the opening words of Psalm 27. In full, the first sentence of v.1 reads: 'The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear?' (KJV)

Answer: Patience wins in the long run

Literally, 'festina lente' means 'hasten slowly' (or 'make haste slowly'). For some reason the motto was widely associated with secondary schooling for girls in the late 19th century, and was adopted as the motto of Berkhamsted School for Girls when the latter was founded in 1888. (It has since been merged with Berkhamsted School).

The British saying 'Softly, softly catchee monkey' perhaps renders the sense best, but is too colloquial as the translation of a serious Latin motto.

Answer: Through anguish to ecstasy

Those 'per ... ad ...' mottos are real teasers! The Auckland Grammar School website prefers the translation: 'Through difficulties to hallowed heights', which is over the top. 'Hallowed heights'! Whatever next?

Answer: Token of a better age

This is the motto of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, the United Kingdom Order for services to the Commonwealth and foreign affairs. The postnominal abbreviations of this Order have achieved a certain jocular notoriety. Commanders of the Order are abbreviated CMG - 'Call me God', Knights Commander are abbreviated KCMG - 'Kindly call me God', and at the top of the ladder Knights Grand Cross have the abbreviation GCMG - 'God calls me God'. Wow!

Answer: The Waters of Sulis

Sulis (or Sul) was a ancient Celtic deity. 'Aquae Sulis' is the accepted Roman name, though there is also an earlier Roman name - Aquae Calidae, which means 'Spa of the Hot Springs'. For hot, sulphurous waters, try Baden, near Vienna (Baden bei Wien).

Answer: There is no arguing about tastes

In other words, to argue about matters of taste is futile (as there are no objective criteria for judging tastes).