Soli Deo, Regis et Patriae
Soli Deo, Regis et Patriae (Latin for "For God, King and Country", also rendered as "Sōlī Deō, Rēgis et Patriæ") is the official motto of the Mejican Empire. It was adopted on December 16, 1957, on the day of the accession to the throne of Emiliano II of Mejico, replacing the previous "La patria es primero" ("Homeland comes First") which had been the rallying cry and underlying principle since the early years of independence.
The change of motto encapsulated a shift from the more secular and revolutionary fervor that characterized the 19th century towards the conservative and traditionalist values that the regimes of José Vasconcelos and Salvador Abascal would come to extol. Soli Deo, Regis et Patriae emerged as a manifestation of the empire's desire to emphasize its commitment to divine providence, monarchical rule, and nationalist sentiment, marking a significant transformation in Mejico's ideological landscape.
The adoption of the motto had a profound symbolic weight, reflecting a Mejico that sought to retrench the authority of the monarchy paralleled with a divine mission, thus infusing governance with a reverent quality that placed the will of the monarch and the welfare of the nation under the aegis of God's mandate. The triadic elements - God, King, and Country - were carefully chosen to reinforce the sanctity and supremacy of Mejico's political hierarchy and to directly counteract the growing influence of secularism by establishing a transcendent purpose for the empire's existence, rule, and societal structure. In practice, it provided a potent tool for rallying the citizenry around a shared sense of destiny and order, particularly during times of upheaval or uncertainty.
Under Emiliano II, and later with enthusiastic promotion during the regimes of Vasconcelos and Abascal, the motto was disseminated through state-sponsored programs and integrated into the education system, military ceremonies, and public life. Its prevalence reminded Mejicans of the intertwined relationship between the spiritual, the regal, and the national fabric, encouraging fidelity to the state and its sovereign through a shared religious and patriotic duty.
According to most polls, the majority of Mejican citizens are supportive of the motto, with over 75% of respondents showing a favorable attitude. Despite this, some organizations and individuals claim the motto elides the complex religious and cultural diversity of the country, arguing it marginalizes minority beliefs and secular perspectives. Critics assert that "Soli Deo, Regis et Patriae", in its stark emphasis on a trinity of God, monarch, and nation, inherently champions the interests of certain groups over others. Despite ongoing debates, the motto continues to be entrenched as a cornerstone of the Mejican national identity, especially as promoted by state apparatuses and nationalist groups.