Nothing is written directly on the forehead of the Statue of Liberty. Instead, the forehead is part of the crown from which seven rays emanate, symbolizing the seven continents and seven seas.
While nothing is inscribed on the forehead itself, the Statue of Liberty and its pedestal feature significant writings that embody its meaning and message to the world.
Key Inscriptions and Their Locations
The iconic monument holds powerful messages inscribed in specific locations, primarily on the tablet she carries and on a bronze plaque within her pedestal.
The Tablet
The tablet held in the Statue of Liberty's left hand bears a significant date in Roman numerals: JULY IV MDCCLXXVI. This inscription marks July 4, 1776, the date of the American Declaration of Independence, symbolizing liberty and freedom. The tablet's presence underscores the Statue's role as a beacon of American ideals.
The Pedestal and Emma Lazarus's Poem
Within the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, on a bronze plaque, are lines from the sonnet "The New Colossus" by American poet Emma Lazarus. This poem, written in 1883 for an auction to raise funds for the Statue's pedestal, profoundly altered the Statue's public perception from a symbol of republicanism to one of welcome for immigrants.
The most famous lines from the poem, which reflect the Statue's enduring message of hope and welcome to newcomers, include:
- "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore."
- "Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
These verses articulate the Statue's role as a symbol of refuge and opportunity for immigrants arriving in the United States, cementing its legacy as the "Mother of Exiles."
| Feature | What is Inscribed/Located |
|---|---|
| Forehead | No direct inscription; it forms part of the crown, from which seven rays extend, symbolizing the world's seven continents and seas. |
| Tablet | JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776), commemorating the date of the Declaration of Independence. |
| Pedestal | A bronze plaque featuring the full text of "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus, including the iconic lines: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" |
The combination of the tablet's historical date and the poem's inclusive message collectively forms the powerful narrative associated with the Statue of Liberty, defining its meaning as a universal symbol of freedom and welcome.
