In the journey of human civilization, there have been some signs that have become symbols over time – of culture, history and identity. Let us know about 30 such famous signs, the stories hidden behind which still force us to think.
30 famous signs with surprising history – an untold story
Hollywood Sign – Los Angeles, America
Today it has become a symbol of the American film industry, but in 1923 it was installed as a real estate advertisement in the name of “Hollywoodland”.
Stop Sign – America
This red octagonal sign changed the face of traffic control around the world. It became an identity since the 1920s.
Peace Sign
This international symbol of peace was actually created in Britain in 1958 for the nuclear disarmament movement.
Yin Yang Sign – China
This symbol, derived from Tao philosophy, reflects the concept of balance and duality of the universe.
Om Symbol – India
It is considered the most sacred sound in Hinduism. It has a special role in yoga, meditation and religious texts.
Swastika – Ancient India
It is a symbol of auspiciousness in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Unfortunately, it was misused in Nazi Germany.
@ (at the rate sign)
This sign is extremely famous today because of email, but in the 16th century, traders used it as ‘at the rate of’.
Hashtag (#) – Social Media Revolution
Earlier it was a symbol of numbers, but Twitter turned it into a social revolution.
Infinity Sign (∞) – Symbol of infinity
This mathematical symbol was proposed by John Wallis in 1655. Today it has become a symbol of infinity in every field.
Red Cross Sign – Symbol of Medical Service
It was born in 1863 by Henry Dunant, which came to the fore as a symbol of service to the wounded during the war.
Euro (€) Sign – Symbol of European Currency
This sign came into existence with the Euro currency launched in 1999. Its two lines indicate stability.
Dollar ($) Sign – American Economic Identity
This sign evolved from the symbol of Spanish Peso in the 18th century and today has become a symbol of American economic power.
Railway Crossing Sign – Safety Information
Seeing this sign while coming on the railway track is a sign that protects our lives.
No Entry Sign – Symbol of Control
This sign with a white stripe in a red circle is an important sign to control traffic.
Taxi Sign – The life of cities
This yellow sign has become a symbol of an important facility of transportation in the crowdedness of every big city.
Crosswalk Sign – Safety of pedestrians
This sign indicates zebra crossing and gives a sense of safety while crossing the road.
Biohazard Sign – Warning of danger
This sign was created in 1966 to indicate biological risks and is used in laboratories.
Red Light Green Light – Signal Sign
This traffic signal represents rule compliance and road discipline all over the world.
Ambulance Sign – Sign of life saving service
This sign is immediately recognizable in an emergency, which can be the link between life and death.
Hotel Sign – Sign of rest and accommodation
This sign assures shelter during night travel.
Free Wi-Fi Sign – Sign of today’s most loved service
This sign has become an important part of today’s digital world.
New York Subway Sign
This subway sign has its own unique style which has become the cultural identity of New York City.
Gas Station Sign – Energy and Need
This sign gives the driver a feeling of relief and convenience during a long journey.
Las Vegas Sign – Gateway to the world of entertainment
This sign with “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” written on it has remained an icon since 1959.
EXIT Sign – Path to safety
This sign shows the direction to safety in case of fire or other disaster in buildings.
Eco-friendly sign – Awareness towards nature
This sign with green leaf or circular arrows has become the identity of environment friendly products.
Smoking ban sign – Sign of health
This sign is a symbol of awareness towards health in public places.
Electric Charging Sign – Energy of the Future
This sign indicates charging stations for electric vehicles.
National Highway Sign – Identity of Indian Roads
These signs with NH numbers are the axis of India’s road transport system.
YouTube Play Button Sign – Symbol of the Digital Age
This red triangle has now become the identity of the new age of entertainment and information.
Conclusion
Signs in the world are not just made for guidance or information, they are also carriers of history, culture, consciousness and identity. There is a story behind every sign – some related to science, some to wars, some to culture and some to modernity. The next time we see a symbol, do not forget to know that perhaps a whole history is hidden behind it.