What is the Statue of Liberty holding in her hands?

What is the Statue of Liberty holding in her hands?

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Designed by the French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886, it was a generous gift from the people of France to the United States. The statue holds great symbolic significance, representing freedom, friendship, and democracy. Standing at a height of 305 feet, it has become an iconic landmark and a powerful symbol of the United States.

In her left hand, the Statue of Liberty carries a tabula ansata, commonly known as a tablet. This tablet is inscribed with the date “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI,” representing the date of the United States Declaration of Independence. The tablet symbolizes the rule of law and the importance of upholding the principles of liberty and democracy.

In her right hand, the statue holds a torch. The torch is one of the most recognizable features of the Statue of Liberty and represents enlightenment. It symbolizes the guiding light of liberty and freedom, shining across the world and welcoming immigrants and newcomers to the United States. The seven rays of the torch represent the seven continents and the seven seas, depicting the universal embrace of liberty.

The Statue of Liberty’s crown is also worth mentioning. It features seven spiked rays, representing the sun’s rays and symbolizing enlightenment. The crown is a symbol of divinity, representing the concept of liberty enlightened by the divine guidance of the gods. The 25 windows on the crown symbolize natural gemstones and the heaven’s rays illuminating the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Statue of Liberty

1. Who designed the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty was designed by the French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with assistance from Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, who designed the copper skeleton of the statue.

2. How tall is the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty stands at a height of 305 feet (93 meters) from the ground to the tip of its torch.

3. What is the significance of the crown?

The crown of the Statue of Liberty represents divinity and enlightenment, symbolizing liberty enlightened by the divine guidance of the gods.

4. How many rays are on the torch?

The torch of the Statue of Liberty has seven rays, representing the seven continents and the seven seas of the world.

5. What does the tablet in the statue’s left hand represent?

The tablet in the statue’s left hand represents the rule of law and is inscribed with the date of the United States Declaration of Independence, symbolizing the importance of liberty and democracy.

6. Can visitors go inside the statue?

Yes, visitors are allowed to enter the pedestal and the crown of the Statue of Liberty. However, access to the crown requires advanced reservations.

7. How many windows are on the crown?

The crown of the statue has 25 windows, symbolizing natural gemstones and representing the rays of heaven illuminating the world.

8. How many steps are there to reach the crown?

To reach the crown of the Statue of Liberty, visitors need to climb 354 steps.

9. Are there replicas of the Statue of Liberty?

Yes, replicas of the Statue of Liberty can be found in various locations around the world, including Paris, France, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

10. How did the statue become a symbol of immigration?

Over the years, the Statue of Liberty has come to symbolize welcoming immigrants to the United States. It represents the country’s history as a nation built by immigrants seeking a better life and freedom.

11. What materials were used to build the statue?

The Statue of Liberty is made of copper sheets, supported by an iron framework designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel.

12. How long did it take to build the statue?

The construction of the Statue of Liberty took approximately nine years, from 1875 to 1884. The statue was then shipped to the United States and dedicated in 1886.