LoginGet started

Symbols You Don't Know the Meaning & Origins of

BE AMAZED・28 minutes read

Various symbols in our daily lives have fascinating origins, such as the USB symbol inspired by Poseidon's trident, the V sign popularized by Winston Churchill, and the peace symbol originating from nuclear disarmament efforts. Symbols like the Yin and Yang, the inverted cross, and the pi symbol have deep historical and cultural significance, adding layers of meaning to their representations.

Insights

  • The USB symbol, inspired by Poseidon's trident, represents the variety of peripherals connectable via USB, showcasing a creative link between ancient mythology and modern technology.
  • Symbols like the peace sign and power symbol have deep historical and cultural origins, often diverging from their initial meanings to become universally recognized icons, highlighting the evolution and complexity of symbolic communication in our society.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is the origin of the peace symbol?

    The peace symbol originated from the Direct Action Committee in 1958 as a universal sign for nuclear disarmament. It is not a combination of semaphore signs for N and D, as commonly believed, but was actually inspired by Francisco Goya's painting "Third of May 1808." The symbol has since become a powerful representation of peace and anti-war movements worldwide.

  • What does the Yin and Yang symbol represent?

    The Yin and Yang symbols represent the balance between two complementary forces. Yin translates to the dark side, symbolizing femininity, passivity, and the moon, while Yang represents the light side, symbolizing masculinity, activity, and the sun. Together, they embody the concept of duality and harmony in Chinese philosophy.

  • How was the power symbol derived?

    The power symbol, commonly seen on TV remotes and electronic devices, is derived from binary code. The symbol features a circle with a vertical line running through it, with the 0 at the base and the 1 at the top. This representation symbolizes the concept of starting or powering up a device, with the 1 indicating power and the 0 indicating the absence of power.

  • What is the significance of the Toyota logo?

    The Toyota logo, consisting of three overlapping ovals, was designed in 1936 to spell out the company's name when separated. The logo symbolizes the interconnectedness and unity of the company's different divisions and represents the global reach and reputation of the Toyota brand. The logo has become an iconic symbol of quality, reliability, and innovation in the automotive industry.

  • What inspired the creation of the Bluetooth symbol?

    The Bluetooth symbol draws inspiration from Nordic runes and combines the letters H and B to pay homage to King Harald Bluetooth, known for uniting Norse peoples. The symbol represents the idea of connectivity and communication, reflecting the technology's ability to bring people together across different devices and platforms. The Bluetooth symbol has become synonymous with wireless technology and seamless connectivity in the modern digital age.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Origins of Symbols in Daily Life

  • Symbols are prevalent in our daily lives, from traffic signs to hand gestures, but have you ever wondered about their origins?
  • The USB symbol, resembling a trident, was inspired by Dreizack, the trident of Poseidon, representing the variety of peripherals connectable via USB.
  • The two-finger salute, often a sign of victory, may have originated from English longbowmen defiantly showing their fingers after the French removed them during the Hundred Years War.
  • Winston Churchill popularized the V sign during World War II, symbolizing victory and defiance against enemies.
  • The symbols on a PlayStation controller, circle, square, triangle, and X, were chosen to stand out from competitors, with each representing a specific function.
  • The Toyota logo, consisting of three circles, was designed in 1936 to spell out the company's name when separated.
  • The heart symbol's origin dates back to the silphium plant, popular for its contraceptive properties, leading to its association with love.
  • The radiation symbol, created in 1946, represents radioactivity escaping from an atom, while the biohazard symbol symbolizes a harmful agent disrupting an organism.
  • The Hyundai logo, an italicized H inside a circle, is meant to resemble two men shaking hands, symbolizing prosperity and customer relationships.
  • The Bluetooth symbol draws inspiration from Nordic runes, combining the letters H and B to pay homage to King Harald Bluetooth, known for uniting Norse peoples.

13:53

Symbols and their fascinating origins

  • The peace symbol originated from the Direct Action Committee in 1958 as a universal sign for nuclear disarmament.
  • The symbol is not a combination of semaphore signs for N and D, but inspired by Francisco Goya's painting "Third of May 1808."
  • The power symbol, seen on TV remotes, is derived from binary code, with the 0 at the base and the 1 at the top symbolizing starting or powering up.
  • Crowns have symbolized power throughout history, possibly originating from diadems worn by Persian monarchs as early as 400 CE.
  • The thumbs up gesture, commonly used for approval, actually meant death in ancient Rome's gladiatorial combats.
  • The Yin and Yang symbols represent the balance between two complementary forces, with Yin translating to the dark side and Yang to the light side of a mountain.
  • The inverted cross, often seen as anti-Christian, was originally a symbol of devotion to Saint Peter, who was martyred crucified upside-down.
  • Pi, represented by the symbol π, is approximately equal to 3.141 and was discovered by Archimedes of Syracuse around 250 BCE.
  • The ampersand symbol (&) evolved from the Latin word "et" for "and," with its name originating from the phrase "and per se and" used in reciting the alphabet.
  • Wendy, the mascot for Wendy's food chain, is based on the real person Mary-Lou Thomas, the daughter of Dave Thomas, who had trouble pronouncing her Ls and Rs.

26:57

Hidden Messages in Famous Logos and Symbols

  • Wendy's 2013 redesign includes a hidden "MOM" message in Wendy's collar, sparking debate on subliminal marketing tactics.
  • The tradition of laurel wreaths, seen in ancient Greece and Rome, symbolizes victory and triumph, with roots in Greek mythology involving Apollo and a nymph.
  • Chick-Fil-A's logo features hidden chickens within its design, with five chickens subtly incorporated into the logo.
  • Toblerone's logo cleverly includes a hidden bear silhouette within the Matterhorn design, paying homage to the town of Bern, known as the City of Bears.
  • The fish symbol of Christianity, often seen alongside the cross, originates from ancient Rome as a secret symbol for early Christians, using the Greek word "ikhthus" as an anagram for Jesus.
  • The @ sign's origin dates back to the Medieval era when Monks used it as a shorthand for "at" to save ink and effort in handwritten texts.
  • Be Amazed offers a podcast version for those seeking to learn interesting facts without staring at a screen, with a chance to win Amazon vouchers by following and rating the podcast on social media.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.