Behind the Peace Emoji are three amazing stories, each revealing new facets of this symbol. Two raised fingers are perhaps one of the oldest gestures that convey a message without words.
The sign was introduced into the emoji panel in 1993. In Unicode 1.1, there’s a whole range of images of the peace symbol. The pictures are encoded under the codes U+262E, U+FE0F, U+270C, and U+FE0F.
Meaning and use of the Peace Emoji
Depending on the platform, the sign represents three different variants.
Square with CND Figure
☮️ Peace Symbol Emoji. The symbol appeared in 1958 in the United Kingdom. The country was experiencing a movement for nuclear disarmament. A large demonstration was to take place in London. Artist Gerald Holtom developed an image for posters, which later became known as CND.
The picture combines two symbols from the semaphore (flag) alphabet – N (an inverted letter V) and D (one flag straight up vertically, the other down). The letters are an abbreviation for “nuclear disarmament.” Enclosed in a circle, the signs took on the opposite meaning – “ban nuclear weapons.” As the artist himself explained, he tried to depict himself in complete despair, with arms lowered. It was a call to humanity to stop before it’s too late.
The drawing was liked by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and became a universal symbol of disarmament in 1960.
In the modern lexicon, the Peace Emoji means:
- An offer to reconcile.
- A demand to stop aggressive behavior.
- A message read, “Entry closed to those who do not have peaceful thoughts.”
The image is used for demonstrations and protest actions against military actions and the creation and use of new types of weapons—posters and items with Peace Emojis calling for a peaceful resolution of the issue.
The symbol is also associated with hippies and their anti-war philosophy. Therefore, the sign can indicate the hippie lifestyle: freedom, love, informal clothing style, and nomadism.
A Dove with an Olive Branch in Its Beak
🕊️ Dove Emoji. The dove is a biblical symbol. When humanity was mired in sin, God decided to destroy the world He created with a flood. Only Noah, who obeyed God, built an Ark, and took his family and pairs of animals on board, survived. When the flood ended, Noah did not know if it was safe to open the Ark and come out. So, he sent a dove to scout. When the dove returned with a green branch in its beak, it became clear that the earth had dried up and was once again suitable for life. Thus, the dove became a symbol of peace with God.
If you received a Peace Emoji in the form of a dove, the drawing signifies:
- Good news and receiving a message.
- Wishes for inner peace and equilibrium.
- Confirmation of peaceful intentions.
The image is part of Christian symbolism and, in correspondence with a believer, personifies the Holy Spirit, which descended in the form of a dove during the baptism of Jesus Christ.
The sender of the Peace Emoji may be indicating that they are on their way and will soon arrive at their destination.
Hand with Raised Index and Middle Fingers
✌️ Victory Hand Emoji. The two fingers symbolize the letter V, from the words Vrijheid (Netherlands), Victoire (French), and Victory (English). It was suggested for use by Victor Auguste de Laveleye, who led the BBC’s broadcasting in Belgium. The symbol emphasized the theme of victory over the Nazi occupiers. Its widespread adoption was facilitated by Winston Churchill, who liked the idea. Soon, the message entered Morse code and sounded like the beginning of Beethoven’s symphony.
It should be noted that if the hand is turned to the viewer with the palm showing and all fingers visible, then the picture has a subtext of offensive mockery. During the Hundred Years’ War in the 14th century, enemies cut off these two fingers of English archers so they could no longer shoot. Therefore, before battles, archers taunted their enemies, teasing them and demonstrating that their fingers were still in place.
In everyday modern communication, the Peace Emoji has several meanings.
- Good news.
- Belief in good luck. The message was, “Everything will be fine.”
- News of a positive decision.
The sign is used to express satisfaction, conveying messages like “I’m pleased,” “Great!” “Everything is fantastic!” and “Thanks for the message.”
It’s worth mentioning that sometimes the drawing is used in its literal sense – indicating the number 2. But if the message was not sent by a teacher in response to your exam, then all is well.
Final thoughts
The Peace Emoji is a positive sign. For the current generation, the figure is associated with peace and victory. Few know about the symbol’s meaning during the Hundred Years’ War. Therefore, if you received an image of raised fingers, you should be encouraged. Your correspondent is in a great mood and ready to share it. The person on the other side of the screen wishes you all the best and believes in a successful outcome for all your endeavors.
The peace symbol emoji ☮️ depicts the well-recognized peace sign, a circle enclosing a vertical line with two branches. This symbol has become an iconic representation of peace, love, and harmony, embodying a universal message that transcends language and cultural barriers. The ☮️ emoji is widely used to express a desire for calm, stability, and non-violent solutions to conflicts. It’s often seen in messages promoting peace and harmony, both in personal communications and in broader social and political discussions. The symbol serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful resolutions and the value of spreading love and positivity.
The “dove” emoji 🕊️ features the image of a dove, often depicted in flight with a branch in its beak. This emoji represents not just the bird itself but also the deeper symbolic meanings associated with doves, such as peace, love, hope, and innocence. The dove has been a long-standing symbol in various cultural, religious, and historical contexts. The 🕊️ emoji is frequently used in messages pertaining to peace, harmony, and gentle sentiments. It’s a common symbol in discussions related to non-violence, reconciliation, and spiritual or religious beliefs. The presence of the dove often signifies a desire for tranquility and understanding, making it a powerful emblem in both personal and wider social communications.
The “victory hand” emoji ✌️ displays a hand gesture where the index and middle fingers are raised and separated while the other fingers are clenched. This gesture forms a “V” shape, widely recognized as a symbol of victory or peace. The emoji captures this universal sign, embodying triumph, success, or amicable sentiments. The ✌️ emoji is often used to symbolize victory or success, celebrating personal achievements or wins. It’s also a gesture of peace and goodwill, frequently appearing in messages that convey friendly intentions or a hopeful outlook. The versatility of this emoji makes it suitable for various contexts, from sports victories to expressions of a peaceful mindset.
Text Examples:
- “I truly wish for the conflict to end peacefully. ☮️” – This statement conveys a genuine desire for a peaceful and non-violent conclusion to a disagreement.
- “Today, embrace and share love and positivity. ☮️❤️” – This encourages the spread of love and positive energy among everyone.
- “Wishing you a day filled with tranquility and peace. ☮️🌸” – Sends a message of calmness and well-being.
- “Remembering to stay calm and seek harmony in challenging times. ☮️”. Reflects a personal commitment to peace and maintaining composure.
- “Supporting peaceful protests and advocating for change. ☮️✊”. Shows solidarity with peaceful movements and the pursuit of social justice.
- “Wishing you peace and happiness in these times. 🕊️”. Conveys a message of hope and well-being, especially in challenging circumstances.
- “Let’s hope for a world filled with more love and understanding. 🕊️”. Expresses a universal wish for peace and compassion in the world.
- “In remembrance of those we’ve lost, we seek peace and unity. 🕊️”. Used in a memorial context, symbolizing a wish for peace in honor of the departed.
- “May our discussions lead to harmony and mutual respect. 🕊️”. Indicates a desire for peaceful and constructive dialogue.
- “Celebrating International Peace Day with hope for the future. 🕊️🌍”. Marks is a global observance dedicated to peace, highlighting aspirations for a harmonious world.
- “Just won my first tennis match! ✌️🎾”. Celebrates a personal achievement in sports, expressing triumph.
- “Heading out to the peace rally, feeling hopeful. ✌️🕊️”. Used in the context of a social cause, symbolizing hope and peaceful intentions.
- “Rocking this new outfit, feeling fabulous! ✌️💃”. Conveys confidence and satisfaction with oneself, often in a fun or lighthearted manner.
- “Passed my driving test, time to hit the road! ✌️🚗”. Marks a personal milestone with a sense of excitement and accomplishment.
- “Finals are over, summer here we come! ✌️🏖️”. Expresses relief and anticipation for enjoyable times ahead, post-achievement.
