12 Everyday Symbols That Have a Dark or Unexpected History
Some everyday symbols you see all the time—like the peace sign or the thumbs-up—have surprisingly dark or weird origins.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Symbols carry hidden stories, and some of them are much darker than you’d expect. The simple thumbs-up has ties to ancient gladiator fights, and the innocent-looking swastika was once a symbol of good luck before being hijacked by the Nazis. Once you learn the unexpected history behind these 12 symbols, you’ll never look at them the same way again.
1. The Thumbs-Up
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The thumbs-up is a universal sign of approval, but its origins aren’t so friendly. In ancient Rome, a raised thumb in the Colosseum could mean life or death for a defeated gladiator. Contrary to popular belief, a thumbs-up actually meant “kill him,” while a thumb tucked in the fist meant mercy. Thus, the next time you casually flash a thumbs-up, remember it wasn’t always a good thing.
2. The Peace Sign
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The peace sign is all about love and harmony, but it started with a much grimmer meaning. It was designed in 1958 as a protest against nuclear weapons, combining semaphore signals for “N” and “D” (Nuclear Disarmament). However, some conspiracy theories claim it resembles a broken cross or an upside-down Nero’s cross, which has been linked to anti-Christian symbolism. No matter what you believe, the peace sign has carried different meanings throughout history.
3. The Swastika
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Before the Nazis, the swastika was an ancient symbol of good luck, used by cultures from India to Native American tribes. It represented prosperity, peace, and the sun’s movement across the sky. Unfortunately, Hitler’s regime took the symbol, flipped it, and turned it into one of the most hated emblems in history. Even though it still holds positive meaning in some cultures, its dark past overshadows its origins.
4. The Skull and Crossbones
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Now a symbol of pirates and poison, the skull and crossbones had a deeper meaning. Medieval knights used it on tombstones as a reminder of mortality—basically, “You’ll die too, so live wisely.” It later became associated with piracy, warning enemies to surrender or face death. Today, it’s still a universal danger sign, but its roots go beyond just scaring people.
5. The OK Hand Sign
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A simple “OK” sign might not be as innocent as it seems. In some cultures, it’s offensive, symbolizing something rude or obscene. More recently, it has been misused by hate groups as a symbol of white supremacy, sparking controversy. While most people still use it harmlessly, its meaning isn’t as simple as you’d think.
6. The Pentagram
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The pentagram is often linked to witchcraft and the occult, but it wasn’t always spooky. Ancient civilizations saw it as a symbol of balance, health, and even protection. It was used in early Christianity to represent the five wounds of Christ before later being demonized. Its meaning has shifted so much that it now sparks fear in some and spiritual connection in others.
7. The Inverted Cross
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Many think an upside-down cross is satanic, but its true origin is actually Christian. It’s called the Cross of St. Peter because he chose to be crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die like Jesus. Over time, it was twisted into a symbol of rebellion and darkness. What started as a sign of deep faith became a misunderstood emblem of horror.
8. The Barber Pole
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That spinning red, white, and blue pole outside a barbershop? It has bloody origins. Back in the day, barbers didn’t just cut hair—they also performed surgery and tooth extractions. The red symbolized blood, the white stood for bandages, and the blue (added later in the U.S.) may have represented veins. The next time you get a trim, be glad your barber isn’t offering a side of surgery.
9. The Victory Sign
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Winston Churchill made the “V” sign famous for victory, but before that, it had a much cruder meaning. In medieval England, archers used it to mock their enemies, showing they still had their fingers to fire arrows. Today, it’s mostly seen as a symbol of peace or success, but in some cultures, flipping it backward is like giving someone the middle finger. Be careful where you flash that V!
10. The Heart Symbol
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The heart symbol looks nothing like an actual human heart, and its origins are surprisingly unclear. Some say it comes from ancient depictions of ivy leaves, symbolizing love and fidelity. Others believe it was inspired by an extinct plant called silphium, used as an early form of birth control in ancient Rome. Whatever the case, the classic heart shape has had more to do with romance—and reproduction—than anatomy.
11. The Crescent Moon
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The crescent moon is often linked to Islam today, but its history goes much further back. It was used by ancient civilizations like the Byzantines and Ottomans as a symbol of power and protection. Even before that, it represented moon goddesses in various cultures. Its association with Islam only became prominent centuries after the religion was founded.
12. The Clover
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A four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck, but its origins are a mix of myth and history. The Druids believed it could ward off evil spirits, and finding one was considered a sign of protection. The Irish later embraced it as a symbol of luck, though the traditional shamrock (with three leaves) was actually more important to their culture. Hence, while four-leaf clovers are rare, their lucky status comes from centuries of superstition.