<P> A number of peace symbols have been used many ways in various cultures and contexts . The dove and olive branch was used symbolically by early Christians and then eventually became a secular peace symbol, popularized by Pablo Picasso after World War II . In the 1950s the "peace sign", as it is known today, was designed by Gerald Holtom as the logo for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, a group at the forefront of the peace movement in the UK, and adopted by anti-war and counterculture activists in the US and elsewhere . The V hand signal and the peace flag also became international peace symbols . </P> <P> The use of the olive branch as a symbol of peace in Western civilization dates at least to 5th century BC Greece . The olive branch, which the Greeks believed represented plenty and drove away evil spirits, was one of the attributes of Eirene, the Greek goddess of peace . Eirene (whom the Romans called Pax), appeared on Roman Imperial coins with an olive branch . </P> <P> The Roman poet Virgil (70--10 BC) associated "the plump olive" with Pax and he used the olive branch as a symbol of peace in his Aeneid: </P> <P> High on the stern Aeneas his stand, And held a branch of olive in his hand, While thus he spoke: "The Phrygians' arms you see, Expelled from Troy, provoked in Italy By Latian foes, with war unjustly made; At first affianced, and at last betrayed . This message bear: The Trojans and their chief Bring holy peace, and beg the king's relief ." </P>

Where did the use of the dove as a peace symbol come from