History of the Peace Symbol
An Explanation of the Symbol Used to Represent the Peace Movement.
It appears on buttons, pendants, t-shirts, and banners. It's the peace symbol. What is its history, and why is it used?
The circle, with what looks like an upside-down broken cross, is easily one of the most recognizable icons of the peace movement. Even people who do not take part in marches and rallies often sport clothing and jewelry showing the peace symbol.
History
The use of what has commonly become known as the "peace sign" began in the late 1950's in Britain by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. It was designed by a commercial artist who has been specially commissioned by the CND to create something for a demonstration. The "fork" in the middle of the circle is how the letters "N" and "D" are spelled out using the visual signals created by extending one's arms while holding flags. The "N" and "D" stand for "Nuclear Disarmament."
The peace symbol made its way to the United States a couple of years later, thanks to an American student who was visiting England. He brought a bag of buttons with the icon on them back to his campus in Chicago, where they immediately caught on with the campus peace group.
Interpretations
There is some controversy associated with the peace sign. Some conservative Christians object to the peace sign because they claim the centre image looks like an upside down broken cross, and as a result, mocks their religion. The peace sign has also been related to Satanism, as well as general immorality, since the peace sign was often worn by hippies in the 60's era of free love and drugs. However, the most popular interpretation remains peace alone.
Contemporary Usage
The peace sign is still used often in the peace movement, although it has lost some of its impact because it is so frequently used for fashion purposes that have nothing to do with peace - much like crucifixes have become part of popular culture. Peace signs can be commonly found on pendants, t-shirts, earrings, body jewelry, accessories, and other fashion items.
Other Peace Symbols
Two other common symbols in the peace community include the dove holding an olive branch in its mouth and representations of the word "peace" in different languages such as Hebrew and Arabic. Holding up the index and middle finger on one's hand in a "V" formation is also considered to be a peace sign.
