What are peace sign tattoos?

A peace sign tattoo is a tattoo featuring a circle with an inverted “Y" inside it, which is a universally recognized symbol advocating peace on earth. The symbol first appeared during the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in 1958 in England.

The original symbol was designed to be an anti-nuclear war symbol, but it came to represent a belief of total abstinence from all violence. More contemporary versions of the symbol feature roses, hearts or feathers. The peace symbol is one of the most popular small tattoos, normally placed on the ankle, wrist or neck. The index and middle finger creating a V sign and a dove carrying a twig in its beak also share the same meaning as the peace symbol.