Pottermore on MACUSA and Harry Potter Emblems

Pottermore tweeted that in 2016 we should look out for more writings from J.K. Rowling–one of the few important elements of the old site we all miss dearly. Until then, Pottermore has been releasing articles that do give us more insight into the details of the Harry Potter books, and now Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The J.K. Rowing-run website released an article that talked, in detail, of the emblems seen throughout the Harry Potter series, and the new MACUSA seal. The article covered coat of arms, crests, flags and more, for schools (Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons), political offices (Ministry of Magic, MACUSA), and Weasley Wizard Wheezes.

Of the new MACUSA seal, Pottermore writes:

This circular seal bears a passing resemblance to the Muggle Seal of the President of the United States, with a few crucial differences. The central bird is a phoenix, which typically represents resurrection and immortality, as opposed to the eagle, which on the Seal of the President suggests authority and judicial power.

The MACUSA design has a confidence and grandeur that reflects the American wizarding world.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is set in 1926, and eagle-eyed history experts may notice that there are 48 stars on the seal. Alaska and Hawaii had yet to become part of the United States at this point in history.

The graphic designers of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, Mira Mina and Eduardo Lima, have created and designed all of the crests, flags, seals, and coat of arms featured in this article. Yesterday, Pottermore conducted a live Q&A, over Twitter, with the graphic designers. (Read from bottom to top:)

See our exclusive interview with MinaLima here.