The History Of The Swastika | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Swastikas Don't Actually Mean What You Think They Mean

Not all swastikas are bad, but obviously, Nazis are.

476
Swastikas Don't Actually Mean What You Think They Mean
http://lumq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/Swastika053.jpg

The Swastika. Most people would look at it and understand it to be a symbol of hatred, which is completely correct. Nazis and neo-nazis don a black swastika tilted on its side to encapsulate their beliefs. But that's not all the symbol is. It's actually an ancient symbol with a long history.

The word swastika is a Sanskrit word meaning "well-being". The ends of the swastika point in the four cardinal directions signifying well-being in all those directions. It's commonly used in Hinduism and many other religions/cultures. The oldest one dates back to the end of the last Ice Age.

People all over the world used it from what is now Ukraine to Native Americans to the Indus-Saraswati civilization. Eventually, it died out except in the eastern hemisphere of the world.

In the early 20th century, travelers were inspired by the symbol and it was soon implemented in the west as a good luck symbol. It became very popular very quickly. Coca-Cola used it on their bottles, the Boy Scouts used it, and it was used to advertise other products as well.

Scouting groups in Europe used the swastika as well. In fact, it was so popular around the world that there is a town in Ontario, Canada called Swastika. The United States 45th infantry had Swastikas on their badges and the UK Royal Air Force had it on their planes until right before World War II.


10 Things You Need to Know About the Swastikawww.hafsite.org


The way such a positive symbol became something so negative was due to the Nazis. Hitler's misunderstanding of the word Aryan and the Indo-Aryan migration led to his appropriation of the swastika.

The repulsion towards the swastika that came after World War II was completely justified, and Germany banned it shortly after. The horrors represented by the symbol the Nazis used is disgusting and inexcusable. Anyone perpetuating those values should be harshly punished.

Reclaiming the swastika


Reclaiming the swastikawww.bbc.com


In the Western world, the swastika is synonymous with fascism, but historically it was used as a symbol of good fortune in almost every culture in the world.

Germany attempted to ban the swastika in the EU in 2007 but failed to do so. In 2008, the Hindu-Jewish summit recognized the long positive history of the swastika prior. They came to the mutual conclusion that it is very important in Hinduism and is seen in good light as many temples and Hindus use it often.

There was also an acknowledgment that the Third Reich misappropriated it to commit horrendous crimes. This recognition was an amazing step in the right direction.

The swastika is not only significant to Hinduism, but many other cultures and religions also use variations of it, and it's important to recognize this. Not everyone that has a swastika on their doorstep is a fascist.

Being able to recognize the difference between the Nazi swastika and any other religious and cultural one is so important to move forward in a world of understanding and respect.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

131833
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

30456
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28005
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments