male symbol

The male symbol (♂) is a symbol historically associated with the male sex and gender, among additional uses. When tagging, this should actually appear in the image. If a character does not visually look like a male despite the symbol, use a more accurate gender tag.

The iconography originated as a representation of a spear and shield in the possession of the Roman god of war, Mars, and his association with the male sex. For this it is also called the Mars symbol or Spear and Shield of Mars.

By association of the planet Mars with the god, it is also an astronomical symbol.
By association of the metal iron with the god, planet, and metalwork of armor and weapons, it was the iron symbol in alchemy.
Two interlocked male symbols (⚣) makes the gay symbol, representative of male homosexuality.