What is peace sign?

The peace sign, as it's commonly known, has a history richer than many realize. It wasn't originally created as a universal symbol of peace, though that's undoubtedly its most recognized meaning today.

• Origin: The symbol was designed in 1958 by Gerald Holtom, a British designer and conscientious objector.

• Purpose: It was created for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and was first used during an Easter march from London to Aldermaston, the site of the UK's Atomic Weapons Research Establishment.

• Symbolism: Holtom described the symbol as representing a combination of the semaphore signals for the letters "N" and "D," standing for "nuclear disarmament." The lines within the circle represent the semaphore positions for "N" (two arms downwards at a 45-degree angle) and "D" (one arm pointing straight up and the other straight down). Some have also interpreted the symbol as representing a stylized figure of a person with their arms lowered in despair, reflecting the state of the world facing nuclear annihilation.

• Adoption by Peace Movement: The peace sign quickly spread beyond the CND and became a prominent symbol of the broader peace movement, particularly in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s during protests against the Vietnam War.

• Wider Usage: Over time, the peace sign's association with nuclear disarmament has somewhat faded, and it's now widely recognized as a general symbol of peace, love, and harmony. It is frequently seen at protests, rallies, and demonstrations advocating for peace and social justice.