Plowshares

Plowshares are tools traditionally used in farming to turn over soil for planting. Symbolically, they represent a shift from violence to peace, as they are often used in anti-war activism to symbolize disarmament. The phrase "to beat swords into plowshares" comes from a biblical passage, encouraging turning instruments of war into tools for peaceful purposes and productive life. In modern contexts, the term signifies efforts to reduce weapons stockpiles and promote conflict resolution through peaceful means.