Peace Sign - Information on common symbols of unity
A peace sign can be a number of things that all represent accord, agreement, and reconciliation. Several different symbols have been used throughout history as a peace sign.
A white dove is a common peace sign that comes from the Bible. A dove was released by Noah after the Great Flood in order to find land. The dove came back carrying an olive branch in its beak, telling Noah that the Great Flood had receded and there was land once again for Man. This story comes from the book of Genesis in the Old Testament. This symbolized that God was ending his “war” with mankind. The appearance of a rainbow at the end of the flood story also is a peace sign, whereby God directs His “bow” toward Himself, an ancient symbol of a the end of warfare. The phrase “to extend an olive branch” is used to represent reconciliation.
The CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) is recognized throughout the world as THE peace sign. This peace sign was adopted as a badge by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in Great Britain and was originally used only by supporters of the organization. The CND peace sign became an icon of the 1960s anti-war movement. The symbol itself is a combination of the signals for the letters “N” and “D,” standing for “Nuclear Disarmament.” In semaphore the letter “N” is formed by a person holding two flags in an upside-down “V,” and the letter “D” is formed by holding one flag pointed straight up and the other pointed straight down. These two signals imposed over each other form the shape of the peace sign. In the original design the lines widened at the edge of the circle. Ironically, considering the organization for which it was created, the symbol resembles a stylized, skeletal missile or swept-wing bomber.
The fact that the symbol resembles a bird’s foot in a circle gave rise to alternative interpretations, ranging from mockery to occult meanings. Conspiracy theorists believe that the symbol is one symbol among many. Some believe it is an ancient symbol designating hatred toward Christians, from Emperor Nero, who crucified the Apostle Peter upside-down, therefore, it is a symbol of an inverted cross. The Nero’s cross has also been recognized as a mockery of Christianity, as it is thought to represent a broken, upside down cross, within a circle representing “Nero’s vision”. It is thought that Nero believed that the destruction of Christianity and all Christians would bring reconciliation.
You can buy T-shirts, magnets, stickers, pencils, buttons, jewelry–almost anything with the CND or peace sign on it. For more information about these symbols and products you can buy, search online.