I began wondering about symbols of peace

because during the Christmas season, I always have thoughts and hopes of peace on earth…especially on certain years, like this one. I’ve often sent Christmas cards with the symbol of a dove carrying an olive branch, like the one on the left. I suspected there were other animal symbols of peace, too.

Peace on earth is a universal longing, so it’s not surprising that there are different symbols of peace all around the globe. Here are some of the symbols I came across, and I am sure there are many, many more!

Japanese Symbols of Peace

Heiwa

One of the Japanese words for peace or harmony is made up of two symbols, hei and wa. However, you’d choose something different to represent inner peace. You can read more about Japanese words for peace here.

The Japanese Maple

Japanese maple trees are so graceful, and they’re seen as a symbol of tranquility and serenity.

African Symbols of Peace

Africa is a huge continent with several thousand different societal groups, and many cultures cross the borders of countries. 

Mpatapo

This is an adinkra symbol, used in Ghana and some other West African countries. The mpatapo is a knot with no starting place or ending place, and it represents reconciliation. I think this symbol is so elegant. 

You can learn about adinkra symbols here.

Bin Nka Bi

This is another adinkra symbol, and I really love it. It translates to “bite not one another.” It’s a great caution and a reminder that if you don’t cause anyone harm or lash out, they’re not likely to harm you or lash out at you.

The Djed

This is an Egyptian symbol for stability and tranquility. It’s actually a depiction of the backbone of the god Osiris, associated with death and rebirth, so it’s also a reminder that even death is not the end. You can see an early djed pillar amulet here.

Chinese Symbols of Peace

Hé Ping

These two symbols, 和平. form one of the Chinese words for peace. The first symbol means harmony, and the second symbol means equal or fair. 

Here’s the way to spell out world peace: 世界和平

You can learn more about Chinese words for peace here.

The Apple

I learned about this when studying Feng shui. (You can read my article on Feng shui for Encyclopedia Britannica.) The first part of the Chinese word for apple sounds the same as a word for peace, so apples (usually depicted with one leaf attached) became a Chinese symbol of peace.

You can buy home decorations that depict this symbol, such as this rose quartz one.

A Celtic Symbol of Peace

The Double Spiral

Like other Celtic symbols, the double spiral appears in many ancient carvings. Many people believe it symbolizes balance, peace, or equilibrium between two forces.

In case you’re curious, here’s our article on other Celtic symbols and meanings.

A Christian Symbol of Peace

The Anchor

The anchor is a popular symbol in Christianity because a cross is part of its shape. It represents stability and faith. Even in the wildest storms, the anchor says, my faith gives me peace of mind. 

Greek Symbol of Peace

The Olive Branch

I said above that doves are often depicted carrying olive branches, but an olive branch by itself is also a symbol of peace. The Romans quickly adopted this, and now it’s common throughout the Western world. The phrase “extend an olive branch” is commonly used in English to refer to a gesture of reconciliation.

A Modern Symbol of Peace

First Designed by a Man in Britain…

This particular symbol was wildly popular in the 1960s and 1970s and is still recognizable by most people in the Western world today. Gerald Holtom, an artist and designer, first created it for the the British nuclear disarmament movement. It was inspired by flag semaphore for “n” and “d,” standing for nuclear disarmament, but it quickly became a more general symbol of peace.

A Modern Gesture Meaning Peace

The V Sign

In Britain, this gesture was traditionally offensive if the palm was faced away from the viewer. Basically, it meant about the same thing as holding up one’s middle finger.

During World War II in the 20th century, the gesture came to mean victory, but quickly became known as the peace sign. Today, it’s also a common gesture to make in photos, both in Western and Eastern countries.

The swastika was a symbol of peace and well-being in many cultures, particularly Asian cultures, before it was co-opted by the Nazis. This symbol also had positive meanings for some Native American cultures. It was used by the Boy Scouts decades before the rise of the Third Reich, and I’ve seen it used in quilts made a hundred years or more ago. Some Buddists still use this symbol, but in the West, it’s strongly associated with evil.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some of the symbols of peace from around the world. I may add to it later, especially if I do find other animal symbols for peace. If you have suggestions, please let me know! 

Wishing You Peace

I know we’re all praying for peace for around the world, and I’m wishing you peace of mind in your own life, especially at this season. Thanks for reading, and have a great rest of your week!