Talitha Cumi

Talitha Cumi Seals

Few elements of Degree of Honor’s history carry as much significance as its motto: Talitha Cumi, an Aramaic phrase that means “Maiden, arise.”

The motto’s meaning is derived from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5, verse 41, in which Jesus resurrects a deceased girl: And [Jesus] took the child by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha Cumi, which is by interpretation, Maiden, I say unto thee, arise.”

Also lending to the historical significance of the motto is that it was adopted the very same day – even a few moments before – Degree of Honor itself was named by the Supreme Lodge on February 14th, 1873.

As the proceedings from the Supreme Lodge session indicate:

“Brother Bunn, from the Committee on Mark and Emblem, reported as an appropriate emblem for the wives, daughters, mothers and sisters of Master Workmen a golden heart, bearing the inscription ‘Talitha Cumi.’ [1]

“On the motion of Brother Joseph Whittlesey, said Degree was called the Degree of Honor.” [2]

Although Talitha Cumi was chosen for the Degree of Honor by the male leadership of the AOUW, its meaning was so cherished by Degree of Honor women that it proudly endured after Degree of Honor severed its connection to the AOUW in 1910 and became an independent fraternal benefit society.

Indeed, it seems entirely likely that Talitha Cumi carried still more significance upon that historic separation: A sacred invocation for Degree of Honor’s women, arising together from subordination into unprecedented self-assurance and independence.

The motto was ever-present in virtually every aspect of Degree of Honor life. Lodge ritual venerated the motto especially; the centerpiece of all lodge meetings was a Bible opened to Mark 5:41.

Though Talitha Cumi is absent from Degree of Honor’s more modern logo, the motto remains a cherished part of Degree of Honor’s heritage.