Nicholas Roerich: Symbols of Mystery

Abstract Mystical symbols played a significant role in the life and work of Nicholas Roerich. Throughout his life Roerich attached great importance to secret knowledge, to signs and symbols, considering them as the guiding star of not only his own life, but also the universal path of all mankind. The study and deep exploration of ancient symbols led to the desire to create a symbol himself. In the wave of growing global interest in culture as a unifying force, in the context of world events, Roerich decided to create a new mystical symbol – the Banner of Peace (for the protection of cultural values). However, over time the initial role of the banner transforms, to a certain extent, into an emblem of the Roerich movement.