The motto “Ordo condidit” and the earliest coat of arms of Paola

Abstract

The motto of Paola is “Ordo Condidit.” This Latin motto was created in the nineteenth century. Today, it is translated into Maltese as “L-Ordni Bnieni”, meaning “the Order Built Me.” In the past, it was also translated in Maltese as “Is-Slaten Bnewni”, meaning “The Rulers Built Me.” However, before speaking about the motto itself and how it came into being, let us first examine exactly why and how it was formed. A motto is a slogan or a short phrase in which an entire history is encapsulated, in such a way that whoever reads it can immediately understand what that place represents. Indeed, the motto used to be placed beneath the coat of arms that had been created as the emblem symbolising that place. Thus, the motto and the coat of arms were created together.