When it comes to logo design trends, the peace sign is one of the most widely recognized and even exploited graphics today. Even though it turns 50 this month it remains relevant and meaningful to many people.

But did you know this the original use of this logo design? According to a news article, Englishman Gerald Holtom created this levis timeless logo design in March 1958 for the activist group known as Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War and later adopted as the official logo of Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).

Since then, the peace logo design has been adopted in different peace movements from Vietnam War, environmentalism, civil rights and even for gender-related issues. Though dove remains the leading symbol of peace, this is more appealing to many protesters since it’s very easy to draw. Still, others mistake this for the famous car logo of Mercedes.

Since neither CND nor logo designer Holtom filed for copyright of this logo design, it became a hot icon for many items. Now, this is a familiar logo you can see almost everywhere from graffiti doodled on walls to everyday clothing.

A leading researcher on different peace movements note this logo design is seldom used these days since many people still relate this to the tragic Vietnam War.

Photo from Jyotaro