Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 38 minutes ago
Ever wondered why the Command key on Apple keyboards is marked with that curious looped square symbol, ⌘?
Its story stretches back centuries. Known as the St John’s Cross, the symbol has deep roots in Nordic culture – seen both in Viking art and in everyday design.
In the 1960s, the shape found a modern purpose: Finland began using it to mark cultural landmarks, and the practice soon spread across the Scandinavian countries.
Two decades later, Apple designer Susan Kare stumbled upon the symbol in a reference book. She adopted it for the Command key in 1984 – and the rest is history.
The looped square still lives on in two worlds: in Unicode, it's the official ‘Place of Interest’ sign, used to highlight noteworthy spots on maps and signs; and in tech, it's one of the most recognisable computer symbols – right there on your Apple keyboard.
Music: Conquest - Dragon Tamer / Epidemic Sound
Voice-over recorded using AI, based on a Sweden.se team member’s voice
Ever wondered why the Command key on Apple keyboards is marked with that curious looped square symbol, ⌘?
Its story stretches back centuries. Known as the St John’s Cross, the symbol has deep roots in Nordic culture – seen both in Viking art and in everyday design.
In the 1960s, the shape found a modern purpose: Finland began using it to mark cultural landmarks, and the practice soon spread across the Scandinavian countries.
Two decades later, Apple designer Susan Kare stumbled upon the symbol in a reference book. She adopted it for the Command key in 1984 – and the rest is history.
The looped square still lives on in two worlds: in Unicode, it's the official ‘Place of Interest’ sign, used to highlight noteworthy spots on maps and signs; and in tech, it's one of the most recognisable computer symbols – right there on your Apple keyboard.
Music: Conquest - Dragon Tamer / Epidemic Sound
Voice-over recorded using AI, based on a Sweden.se team member’s voice
