What does new york state motto mean?

Excelsior is the official state motto of New York. It is derived from the Latin word meaning "higher," "upward" or "more elevated".

The word _excelsior_ is associated with the ascent to something higher, better or more exalted. When used as a proper noun, it was first used as a state motto by New York in 1778, and was placed between a mountain range and the sun rays on a state seal designed by Pierre van Berckel in 1777.

The use of the motto _Excelsior_ has spread to other areas, including the names of hotels, schools, corporations and sports teams. In literature and entertainment, Longfellow popularised the concept in his 1842 poem _Excelsior_, which used it as a motivational call for the main character to move upward despite numerous challenges.

In other parts of the world, _excelsior_ is occasionally used in contexts of motivation, improvement or accomplishment, but it has no particular cultural relevance.