The peace sign was designed in 1958 as a nuclear disarmament symbol and has since become the world's most recognized emblem of harmony, non-violence, and positive intention.
The peace symbol was designed by British artist Gerald Holtom in 1958 for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Its form combines the semaphore signals for the letters N and D (Nuclear Disarmament) within a circle. Holtom later revealed a more personal interpretation: the central downward-pointing stroke represented a human figure in despair, arms outstretched โ a moment of vulnerability transformed into a call for peace. The circle around it signified the earth itself, the common home that nuclear war threatened.
Within a decade, the symbol had migrated from British CND marches to the American civil rights movement, the Vietnam War protests, and the global counterculture. By the 1970s it appeared on clothing, jewelry, murals, and vehicles worldwide. Today it transcends any specific political movement and is widely understood simply as a universal emblem of goodwill, non-violence, and the desire for human harmony.
As a charm, the peace sign is worn or displayed by people who wish to project and attract calm, peaceful energy. It is particularly popular among those committed to conflict resolution, meditation, social justice work, and anyone who wants to carry an intention of non-harm into their daily interactions.
Peace, harmony, non-violence, global unity, goodwill, and the protection of all life.
Wear a peace sign pendant or pin when entering situations of tension or conflict, using it as a personal reminder to respond rather than react. Hang a large peace sign in a shared living space to encourage harmonious interactions. Give peace sign charms to children to introduce them early to values of empathy and non-violence.
The peace symbol has never been trademarked or copyrighted by its creator โ Gerald Holtom explicitly kept it free for anyone to use, believing a symbol of peace should belong to all of humanity.
While not traditionally framed as a 'luck' symbol, it is widely used as an intentional talisman for attracting peaceful circumstances and harmonious relationships, which many consider the greatest good fortune.
Some conservative religious groups have incorrectly claimed it is a Satanic or anti-Christian symbol. These claims are historically unfounded โ the symbol was specifically designed in 1958 with no occult intention whatsoever.
Silver is most commonly associated with peace and the moon. For stronger protective energy, some practitioners choose obsidian or black tourmaline carved or inlaid with the peace sign.
Ancient China
The Yin Yang symbol represents the perfect balance of opposing forces โ dark and light, feminine and masculine, rest and action โ and is used globally as a talisman for harmony and well-being.
Christian Europe / United States
The Guardian Angel pin is a small angel-shaped brooch or lapel pin worn as a portable protection charm, especially beloved for children, travelers, and those in physically dangerous work.