Why a flame with a dove is the symbol of May 4 and 5 in the Netherlands | logostics

It was just a signature, a small line of ink on paper. But one with enormous significance for Dutch history. By signing the so-called elaboration agreement, General Johannes Blaskowitz put an end to the German occupation in the Netherlands in early May 1945. This happened in the De Wereld hotel in Wageningen and was watched by Prince Bernhard, who, as commander of the Domestic Armed Forces, was also present for the historic event.

Mad joy and relief then swept through the Netherlands and since then May 5 has been known as Liberation Day. Since 1948, the liberation fire has been lit in Wageningen every year at exactly midnight as a symbol of the transition from commemoration (May 4) to celebration (May 5).

Stylized torch

The liberation fire also forms the basis of the logo that appears in all shapes and sizes around May 4 and 5. The stylized torch is now a well-known image in the Netherlands. A dove is painted above the flame, which appears to be flying in search of the vacuum of air. The dot at the very top should represent the eye of the dove, the symbol of peace.

The work was conceived and created by artist Ton Giesbergen. He designed the emblem in 1995 on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the liberation. The torch was actually only intended for that ‘anniversary’, but was received so enthusiastically that it grew into the general logo of May 4 and 5.

It even earned Giesbergen royal appreciation: years later, Queen Beatrix called it an ‘irredeemable symbol’. The Amsterdam artist himself was also proud of the work, which he considered his magnum opus. He called it ‘his strongest logo’, and said it symbolizes ‘young and old, sadness and joy and memories and standing still’.

Colorfulness and simplicity

The Amsterdammer also designed other well-known logos such as the Holland logo, of course in orange letters and with a tulip, and the logo that resembles a globe for the Dutch Tourist Board. These designs were also characterized by colorfulness and simplicity. “You have to feel a good logo,” was his credo. And of course there is no way to get in between that.

Giesbergen died in 2018, but his most important work can still be admired throughout the Netherlands for years to come. An artist cannot receive a greater compliment.