Tuesday, August 17, 2004

Justice


A personification of the four cardinal virtues (Justice, Prudence, Fortitude and Temperance) represented usually by the scale, the sword, the blindfold and the law books. She symbolizes the fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption, greed, prejudice, or favor.
This figure dates back to the ancient history. The Ancient Egyptians referred to Ma'at, a woman carrying a sword with an ostrich feather in her hair to symbolize truth and justice. The Ancient Greeks believed in Themis, the goddess of divine justice and law. She held a pair of scales upon which she weighs the claims of disputing parties. She was daughter to Uranus and Gaia and was a partner and advisor to Zeus. Themis was a Titan who believed in and taught obedience to laws and peace. "She became known as a goddess of divine justice." The Roman goddess of justice was called Justitia. She’s represented by the constellation Libra, shaped like a heavenly pair of scales.

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