The UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged
all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal by creating the International
Day of Peace. During the discussion of the U.N. Resolution that established
the International Day of Peace, it was suggested that:
"Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating
and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and
peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization,
with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and
should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing
bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences
of any kind, is to peace."
Olive branch is a universally recognized symbol of PEACE.
In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam an olive branch is a sign for peace. The
peace dove flying with an olive branch in its beak is one of the most commonly
featured symbols for the day. The dove can also represent “hope for peace”
or a peace offering from one person to another, hence the phrase “to extend
an olive branch”. Often, the dove is represented as still in flight to
remind people of its role as messenger. A person displaying these symbols wishes
to let the viewer know that he/she
is peaceful, non-aggressive, admires or wants peace or peacefullness; Serenity.
Olive Branch
The Torah, The Old Testament and The
Qur'an describe a story in which a dove was released by Noah after the Great
Flood in order to find land. The dove came back carrying an olive branch in
its beak, proof for Noah that the Great Flood had receded. (Book of Genesis
8:11).
In Greek tradition, olive branches represent
peace. The plant was considered sacred to the ancient goddess of wisdom, Athena.
Defeated Roman armies displayed olive
branches as a white flag to indicate surrender.
The Peace symbol, originally the
symbol
of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
The motif can also represent "hope
for peace" and even a peace offering from one man to another, as in the
phrase "extend an olive branch".
