Symbols & Origins
Symbols are the pulse of graphic design, a language that speaks directly to the heart and mind, transcending language barriers. Their origins are diverse, often rooted in ancient cultures, and religions, combining art, psychology, and history.
The lineage of symbols stretches back to the dawn of civilization. Ancient cultures used symbols to represent divine powers or natural phenomena. Over time, these symbols have evolved, having more meanings and interpretations.
The Peace Symbol: Created by Gerald Holtom for the British nuclear disarmament movement in 1958, this symbol combines the semaphore signals for the letters ‘N’ and ‘D,’ standing for ‘nuclear disarmament.’ Its use has spread globally and is now universally recognized as a symbol of peace.
Pictograms and icons: The origins of many digital icons are in the physical world. The floppy disk icon for ‘save’, the envelope for ‘mail’, or the trash can for ‘delete’ are all based on tangible objects. As we move further from these physical objects in everyday life, the origins of these symbols become more historical and less intuitive for younger generations.
Understanding the origins and meanings of symbols creates an emotional response. A well-crafted symbol can evoke a spectrum of emotions and associations, making it a potent tool for brand identity.
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