International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

Anti-nuclear emblem 

The anti-nuclear emblem first appeared in the form of a badge made using black paint on white clay. The badges would be among the few human-made objects to survive a nuclear inferno. The design includes the naval code letters for "N" and "D"—to stand for "nuclear disarmament". The letter "N" is represented by holding two flags in a downward position, 45 degrees from the body; the letter "D" is represented by holding one flag directly upwards and another directly downwards.

The symbol was popularized in the 1960's during the United States civil rights movement. Fundamentalist groups of the far right attempted to have the symbol banned: they condemned it as a communist sign and argued it had satanic associations. There was an official attempt to ban it in South Africa under the apartheid regime. The symbol has never been copyrighted, meaning that it can be used by anyone free of charge. It's no longer simply a symbol of nuclear disarmament—it has become a symbol of peace and non-violence.

Banner of peace

The banner of peace has been used in many cultures, particularly in Asia, for thousands of years. No single group or tradition has ever taken ownership of it. The central three circles represent the past, the present and the future—surrounded by eternity.

Olive branch

The olive branch has since ancient times been used as a symbol of peace and goodwill. Its symbolic origin is probably associated with the biblical story of the dove that carried an olive branch from Noah's Ark. In ancient Greece the olive wreath was the highest award given to a citizen and to winners at the Olympic Games—a time when violent conflicts between competing states were suspended. The olive branch forms part of the flags of the United Nations, the League of Arab States, Cyprus and Eritrea.

Paper crane

The white crane is used throughout Asia, and increasingly throughout the world, as a symbol of peace. According to Japanese culture, if a person folds 1000 papers cranes, he or she is granted a wish (See Activity 10).

Peace dove

The dove is known the world over as a symbol of peace. According to legend, witches and devils can turn themselves into any bird shape other than that of a dove. The dove was popularized as a symbol of peace by Pablo Picasso in his 1949 lithograph for the International Peace Congress in Paris. 

Hand-gesture peace sign

The hand-gesture peace sign, also known as the victory salute, is made by holding the index and middle fingers in the shape of a "V". It originated in World War II when the letter "V", for victory, was painted on walls in the dark as a symbol of freedom from occupying forces. It was also commonly used during the peace movements of the 1960s and 70s.

Rainbow flag

The rainbow flag has only recently been used as a symbol of peace. It originated in Italy where it bore the word pace, meaning "peace". In the lead-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, many people in Italy and throughout the world hung rainbow flags from their windows and balconies as a sign of protest.

Ankh

The ankh is an ancient symbol that was widespread in Asia but is generally associated with Egypt. It represents life and eternity. In the 1960s, it was adopted by the Flower Power movement as a symbol of peace and truth.