Puzzle Description:

Inspired by the popular "coexist" bumper sticker using symbols associated with four major world religions to make a plea for peace, equality and harmony for all the people of the Earth. The "i" is often dotted with a pentagram to include pagan traditions. That wasn't going to fit, so I turned it into a candle, often used in vigils for peace or remembrance.

#1: Jota (jota) on Jan 3, 2013 [HINT]

Thanks! That's the spirit! Some people will use the bumper sticker, say they are pro harmony and equality, pro peace and given the opportunity to show it, demonstrate they can't . Hope your message gets across!

I enjoyed this puzzle very much. It was not at all what I thought it might be given the width of the puzzle. Thank you for the puzzle and for the message.

Could someone explain what each symbol stands for? I understand the peace sign, the Star of David, the ying-yang, and the cross. The candle is explained. I'm not familiar with the other symbols. Thank you.

Meaning of the Coexist Symbols

Piotr Mlodozeniec’s basic coexistence design is uncomplicated and easy to understand. The design uses three symbols that stand for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Mlodozeniec modified the word “coexist” in the following ways:

for the letter “c,” a crescent moon representing Islam is substituted
for the letter “x,” the Star of David representing Judaism is substituted
for the letter “t,” a cross representing Christianity is substituted

Today, there are several different versions of the coexist design. Starting with Mlodozeniec’s conception, the newer designs add additional symbols:

for the letter “o,” the peace symbol or pagan/Wiccan pentacle is substituted
for the letter “e,” a male/female symbol or a scientific equation is substituted
for the letter “i,” a pagan/Wiccan symbol is substituted
for the letter “s,” a Chinese yin-yang symbol is substituted


Read more at Suite101: Coexist Bumper Sticker Meaning, Design History | Suite101 http://suite101.com/article/coexist-bumper-sticker-meaning-design-history-a219327#ixzz2Gy6GdVhi
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Thank you, Kurt. Very enlightening.

just a copy and a paste....

great idea and puzzle btw!

Thank you, Kurt. I did know the male/female one, but I'm not quite sure what it has to do with "peace." It has a lot to do with coexisting though.

Great idea, Randall. Nicely designed and enjoyable solve.

At first I thought, "Oh no, another text puzzle." Then each symbol took form one at a time. Like 7 puzzles in one! :-) Then after I read the description, I realized it actually does spell out the message.

This is a good time to set aside prejudices and judgments and be mindful of our common heritage, and set aside fear to embrace our many differences.

very, very enlightening, Randall

Thanks, I enjoyed doing this one.

Randall.... complete agreement for your win ...thanks.. please go to Q&A

Congratulations Randall. Great entry!

Congratulations Randall.:)

Thanks everyone for your comments. This was fun and challenging to make.

Goto next topic

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