Symbols of hope from across the world

Humans have long attached symbolism and meaning to nature.

From rainbows to olive branches, there are many emblems that have become culturally associated with the desire for a brighter future.

BBC Bitesize explores three symbols that represent perseverance and the possibility of change across history.

Ginkgo tree

The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest living species of trees in the world and has come to represent hope and resilience in times of crisis. With a lineage that can be traced back more than 200 million years, the tree is so ancient that scholars have referred to the species as a living fossil.

Growing up to 40m (131ft) tall, the trees are recognisable for their distinct fan-shaped leaves which turn bright yellow in autumn.

Native to China, the ginkgo tree and its leaves have been a popular motif, appearing in Asian artwork from across the centuries.

With a life expectancy of over 1,000 years, a scientific study from 2020 found that the ginkgo trees produce protective chemicals, which shield them from diseases and drought.

In August 1945, ginko trees withstood the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, leading to the nickname the survivor tree.

In 2011, the Green Legacy Hiroshima campaign was founded with the aim of planting seeds and saplings from ginko trees across the world.

Doves

Recognised as the international symbol of peace, the dove holds cultural significance as a sign of love, freedom, and the possibility of better times ahead.

The white bird is widely associated with the Christian faith and is commonly used to represent the Holy Spirit.

In the Christian story of Noah’s Ark, the dove returned to the ark with an olive branch to show that the flood was over. As a result of this biblical association, for some people it has come to signify revival or starting anew.

One of the most famous creations of Spanish painter, Pablo Picasso, is a 1949 artwork known as The Dove.

That same year, Picasso’s piece was chosen as the emblem for the World Peace Congress in Paris and was subsequently used on other posters that reference the peace movement.

The congress was held at the time of Picasso daughter’s birth. He named his daughter Paloma, the Spanish word for dove, and the use of the symbol continued to be a theme used across his artistic work.

Lotus flowers

Representing enlightenment, transcendence and purity, the lotus flower is regarded as a sacred symbol in many religions, including Buddhism and Hinduism.

The plant has the ability to grow from muddy waters and bloom above the surface. As a result, it holds significance as a sign of resilience and has become associated with the idea of perseverance and personal growth.

The symbol of the lotus flower can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it depicted life and immortality, it was mentioned in texts like The Egyptian Book of the Dead.

From sculptures to temples, the lotus flower is also a prominent feature in Indian architecture and has been the country’s national flower since 1950.

The lotus flowers’ correlation with the divine can be seen in artistic depictions, where they are often painted alongside deities. In Buddhist iconography, it is common for the Buddha to be sitting on a throne made of lotus flowers.

This article was published in May 2025