January 1991

  

The Origin of the Lambda Symbol

Lambda, the eleventh lower-case let-
ter of the Greek alphabet and modem-day
symbol of the gay community, is the fore-
runner of our letter "L." Originally, the
letter was a picture symbol for the scales
often seen being carried by the figure of
Justice. As time passed, the lambda bore
less a visual resemblance to scales, and its
meaning has become more

their existence as a free and equal people.
As Rome rose to power and conquered
the then-known world, the Romans took
many things of value from Greek culture.
Among these was the lambda. Owing to the
fact that the Romans saw the overall shape
of the lambda as suggestive of a flame, it
was used as the symbol for "lambas," the
Latin word for torch.

abstract in that it came to
represent the concept or
quality of balance.

The ancient Greeks be-
lieved that balance was a
reconciliation between two
opposities, and as such was
not a stable state but one
needing continuous adjust-
ment.

Due to the influence of
Greek philosophy, the

In modern times, sci-
entists seeking a symbol
for the wavelength of light
drew on the historical past.
Because of its connection
with the torch, the lambda
was chosen.

In the 1960's, when
the quest for gay liberation
emerged as an organized
movement after the Stone-
wall riots, the lambda was

lambda symbol has

emerged as it appears in its modem-day
form. The small hook was added to the base
of the letter for two reasons: to indicate that
some form of action was necessary to bring
about a state of equilibrium, and to indicate
that constant action was necessary to main-
tain that state once it was achieved.

The ancient Spartans adopted the
lambda as a symbol of their unity. It signi-
tied the special balance which they felt
must exist between an individual and the
State. They wore it on their shields like a
logo and believed that the demands of
society should never interfere with each
person's right to be totally free and inde-
pendent. The Spartans also thought that
each individual must be bound to society
only by individual choice and desire. Still,
each Spartan recognized that only in a
common bond could they hope to preserve

selected as a symbol be-
cause of its historical associations.
Previously symbolizing justice, bal-
ance and the reconciliation of opposites;
unity and the relationship of the individual
to society; and the light of the torch - the
lambda was seen to possess those qualities
which best represented the objectives of the
budding gay and lesbian movement. As ac-
ceptance of the lambda became more wide-
spread and its popularity grew, use of the
symbol became commonplace across the
United States.
The lambda's most recent historical

. association - with light - began to take on a

new, more social association. As a symbol
of freedom for gay men and lesbians, the
lambda has come to represent the light of
knowledge. It promises hope for a new
future with dignity for gay men and lesbi-
ans everywhere.

ta i 17
0°“ 

BOARDING
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Animal Inn
Carol Skon Claudia Cook

R.D.l Box 1980 Fairfax,Vt.O5454 802-524-4574

Today, the lambdais recognized as a
unique international symbol for gay and
lesbian rights, for justice and enlighten-
ment, as well as for a needed balance in
acceptance of differences by and within all
humanity.

W W

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