Popular happiness symbols include the smiley face, the Chinese symbol, double happiness, or shuangxi, and sunflowers. These symbols have universal appeal and recognition.
Harvey Ross Ball created the smiley face in 1963. A New England insurance company commissioned Ball to create a symbol to boost its employee morale. The Chinese character, double happiness, which is actually two copies of the character for joy, xi, is a perennial symbol for marriage and a common decoration. Shuangxi has worldwide appeal in the United States and Europe. Sunflowers are a long-time symbol of warmth and cheer. Native to the Americas, the sun-like flowers are a popular choice for get well wishes and brightening up a dreary room.
