What Everyday Symbols Really Mean – And Why They Were Created

We encounter symbols constantly—in road signs, packaging, technology, clothing, and even gestures. While many seem obvious at first glance, some carry hidden meanings rooted in history, religion, mythology, or cultural evolution. These signs often go unnoticed but have deep backstories that shape how we interpret them today. From ancient emblems to modern icons, understanding the origins of everyday symbols adds an intriguing new layer to how we perceive the world around us.

The Power Button and Binary Code

The familiar power button symbol—a circle intersected by a vertical line—appears on nearly every electronic device. But its meaning lies in the world of binary. In computing, '1' represents 'on' and '0' means 'off'. The merged symbol reflects both states, making it a concise representation of power control.

Created as a standard in the 1970s, it’s now so ubiquitous that most users never stop to consider its digital origin or clever simplicity.

The Heart Shape Isn’t About Anatomy

The iconic heart shape used to express love bears little resemblance to a human heart. Historians believe the symbol may have originated from the shape of the silphium plant seed, which was used as an ancient form of birth control in Roman times—thus linking it to love and desire.

Others suggest it evolved from stylised depictions of swans forming heart shapes with their necks, associated with loyalty and partnership. Either way, it has far more symbolic romance than anatomical accuracy.

The Bluetooth Logo Comes from Viking Runes

The Bluetooth logo is more than just a tech symbol—it fuses two runes from ancient Norse script. The initials 'H' and 'B' represent Harald Bluetooth, the Danish king who united conflicting tribes. The technology was named after him to symbolise unifying communication protocols across devices.

It’s a brilliant nod to history hidden in plain sight—a rune-inspired logo connecting modern gadgets through ancient inspiration.

The Peace Sign and Semaphore Code

The classic peace sign, often associated with anti-war movements, actually has roots in military signalling. It was created in 1958 for the British nuclear disarmament campaign. The symbol combines the semaphore flag positions for 'N' and 'D'—standing for Nuclear Disarmament.

The downward lines within the circle reflect these specific arm positions. Over time, the image became synonymous with global peace activism, far beyond its original British context.

The Symbol of the Dollar

The dollar sign ($) is one of the most recognised monetary symbols in the world. Though it may seem modern, its origin lies in Spanish currency. One theory suggests it evolved from the abbreviation for 'peso' or 'pieces of eight', which was 'Ps'.

As scribes wrote 'P' over 'S,' it gradually merged into the single-stroke or double-stroke dollar sign. This transformation reveals the symbol’s colonial and trade-based roots.

The Evil Eye as Protection

Often worn as jewellery or hung in homes, the evil eye symbol is believed to ward off jealousy and malevolent intentions. Though now widely popular across fashion and décor, it dates back thousands of years, appearing in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian cultures.

The eye motif symbolises vigilance—watching over the bearer and deflecting harm. Its spiritual significance continues in modern life as both talisman and trend.

Arrows and the Circle of Direction

Arrows, used universally to indicate movement or direction, carry a legacy from warfare and hunting tools. In design, an arrow symbolises focus, aim, and guidance. In some indigenous cultures, different arrow formations have specific meanings—like peace, protection, or travel.

Meanwhile, the circular arrows found on refresh icons or recycling symbols represent cycles, renewal, and continuity. Their simplicity hides a philosophy of balance and sustainability.

The Ampersand and Latin Roots

The ampersand (&) isn’t just a typographic quirk—it’s a ligature of the Latin word 'et', meaning 'and'. Over time, the letters 'e' and 't' were combined in cursive writing to form the elegant symbol we use today.

Children once recited it as the 27th letter of the alphabet in English schools, saying “and per se and”—which eventually slurred into 'ampersand'. It’s a reminder that even punctuation can carry hidden linguistic history.

Everyday symbols often carry meanings that go far beyond their surface appearance. They reflect centuries of language, culture, technology, and human imagination. Whether rooted in ancient traditions or digital revolutions, these icons serve as visual shortcuts to complex ideas. Learning their hidden stories not only enriches your understanding of daily life but also reveals how deeply connected the present is to the past—through simple signs we encounter without a second thought.