The peace sign is one of the most iconic symbols in the world, but did you know it was born out of a protest—and it’s actually a mash-up of semaphore signals? Here’s the fun story behind its creation:

Back in 1958, British artist and designer Gerald Holtom was tasked with designing a symbol for a nuclear disarmament march. His inspiration? He cleverly combined the semaphore signals for the letters “N” and “D”—which stand for “nuclear disarmament.” In semaphore, a communication method using flags, the “N” is formed by holding two flags downward at an angle, and the “D” is made by holding one flag straight up and the other straight down. Put them together, and you get the peace sign’s recognizable shape!

But here’s where it gets even more interesting: Holtom initially saw it as a symbol of despair. He later described it as a figure of a person with arms outstretched downward in defeat. Over time, however, the symbol took on a far more optimistic meaning—one of hope, unity, and, of course, peace.

The gesture was used by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during World War II to signify "V for Victory." The symbol quickly spread beyond its nuclear disarmament roots and became synonymous with the broader peace movement, especially during the 1960s counterculture era, where it found its place in anti-war protests, on tie-dye shirts, and in the hearts of millions. It became a universal call for love and harmony, transcending borders, languages, and generations.