Origins of the "Peace" symbol

(I googled before writing this)

I am interested the origin of the familiar hippie peace symbol.




Here is a standard article on the "official" origins of the symbol.

www.lib.berkeley.edu...

it is interesting that even this article notes the "rumors" of the peace symbol pre-dating the claims of George Haltom to having invented it.

This article:

www.designboom.com...

gives a variant of the official version, this time using Navy Semaphore, but some of the information contradicts the info and dates on the CND page.

Hmmmm.

The peace "hand-sign" of two fingers goes back to world war II. I have heard claims that the peace-circle was used back then as well. I'm looking for documentation.

Here's a few of the theories I've heard for the peace symbol:

1. It's an upside-down cross, with broken arms.

2. It is the Runic letter "liudhir" and is the symbol of death.

3. It is an abstract version of a human skull, with the eye sockets at the bottom.

4. It represents a stylized "middle finger salute"

I am looking for other meaning seen in its symbolism.

Anyone have any other ideas/theories/rumors???

thanx.

Well I do know that the hand symbol for peace was derived as the oppisite of the one used in WW2. The one in WW2 was the index and middle fingers extended with the back of the hand pointing at the person that is intended to recieve the message. It means "Victory"

It is also used in racing, and is used by performance motorcycle riders A.K.A. crotch rockets, to each other for victory. It is also used by Corvette drivers.

Logic would would dictate that the symbolic written sign is of the same idea. Two fingers extended but upside down to represent the oppisite of victoriuos, war meaning peace.

[edit for typo by LoneGunMan]

[edit on 29-7-2005 by LoneGunMan]

Perhaps this can help...

www.locksley.com...

The peace "hand-sign" of two fingers goes back to world war II

In WWII its a V for Victory sign tho, not a peace sign, I beleive.

Originally posted by Nygdan

The peace "hand-sign" of two fingers goes back to world war II

In WWII its a V for Victory sign tho, not a peace sign, I beleive.

The first 4 notes of Beethovens fifth symphony were often played with it, supposedly because the notes form the letter V in Morse Code, (and Beethoven was German, so in effect, Beethoven himself was saying the Allies would win).

I can't offer you anything on actual origin, but here is one possible interpretation of the symbol:

www.sunnyway.com...

Look up the symbol "Algiz."

"Protection, a shield. The protective urge to shelter oneself or others. Defense, warding off of evil, shield, guardian"

However...since in the peace sign it is INVERTED, it would mean:

"Hidden danger, consumption by divine forces, loss of divine link. Taboo, warning, turning away, that which repels."