The so-called Peace Sign is actually a Norse Rune adopted by the
anti-nuclear movement in the late 1950s. I recall seeing a group of protestors standing
outside General Atomic in San Diego in 1958 and the signs had that symbol.
Over time, the Rune shifted to protest war and by the 1960s it became the Peace
symbol.
Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.
In a message dated 10/21/2008 9:38:03 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Happy Faces and "Peace Signs" were both common while I was in the army in
Germany in early 1969 and more so while stationed at Ft. Bliss in late 1969
and early 1970.* * I remember "peace signs" from the army in 1968 and before
I was drafted (in 1968) back in 1967.
:-)
On Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 4:16 PM, Cami McCraw <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hi Matthew,
> -Also building on what Ron May just posted, I really think it came around
> 1970. I know for sure I had never heard of it in elementary school, but it
> was the 'in-thing' at some point in 6th grade, (1970-71).
> Now, maybe it was 'invented' before that, but just became popular at least
> where I was in 1970. Back then with no internet and limited television,
fads
> took a little bit longer to spread. (I'm not an archaeologist BUT we are
> radio/TV/editing folks.)
> By the time I entered high school ('73), we were also beginning to see
> these same smiley faces in various colors instead of only yellow. (But of
> course those were never as popular as the yellow!)
> I do think it was very much tied in with the Nixon era, and wasn't Nixon
> always flashing the 'Peace' sign on television? So yes, the smiley face was
> tied in to 'Peace & Love and general happiness'. I believe the 'flower
> power' stuff may have started in the late-60s, so just before the smiley
> faces. (But you are right- not much difference.)
> If anyone ever has a chance to see old TV reruns of 'The Wonder Years',
> you'll get an accurate window into the fads of those times and even the
> political ties, especially if you pay attention to the small details in the
> show. (Folks my age won't need that, but for younger listmembers it may be
> helpful.)
> -Cami
> http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/NewChronology/
> http://stretchproductions.com/RohlProducts.html
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matthew Tomaso" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 3:27 PM
> Subject: Re: question re "happy face" pins
>
>
> I remember them from the early 70s as well. I was never quite sure
>> whether to symbolically associate them with flower power or the 'don't
worry
>> be happy' rhetoric of the Johnson and Nixon Administrations. Perhaps
there
>> isn't much difference.
>>
>> Matthew S. Tomaso, M. A., RPA
>> Senior Archaeologist and Project Manager
>> Cultural Resource Consulting Group
>> O: 732-247-8880 x-30
>> Cell: 908-875-0345
>>
>
--
Smoke Pfeiffer
Remember: When seconds count, the police are only minutes away!
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