The symbol itself dates back at least 7,000 years, and has been found in archaeological sites across Europe, Asia, and even the Americas.

In ancient cultures, it was associated with good fortune, well-being, and positive energy. Its symmetrical form, consisting of a cross with arms bent at right angles, made it a powerful symbol.

In Hinduism, the swastika is an auspicious symbol representing good luck and prosperity. It is commonly seen in religious rituals, temple decorations, and festive occasions. The word swastika itself comes from the Sanskrit svastika meaning "conducive to well-being”. In Buddhism, the swastika symbolises the footprint of the Buddha and is often used in temples and religious texts.

The swastika was also used by various ancient European cultures, including the Greeks, Celts and Germanic tribes. It appeared in art, pottery and architecture, often symbolising the sun or the cycle of life.

Enter the 20th century … and we all know what happened next.

In 1920 it was adopted by the Nazi Party in Germany. Adolf Hitler appropriated the swastika as a symbol of the Aryan race, which he claimed was superior.

The swastika's striking design made it an effective tool for propaganda. Its bold, angular lines and stark contrast made it highly visible and memorable, which helped in creating a strong brand for the Nazi Party. It was often displayed in a dynamic, rotating form … symbolising motion, progress, and unity under Nazi rule. As a logo, it was actually very successful.

And Hitler personally designed the party's flag, which combined the swastika with red and white colours. He described the symbolism in his book "Mein Kampf”, where red stood for the social idea of the movement, white for nationalism, and the swastika for the so called “struggle for Aryan victory”.

The Nazi Party's use of the swastika turned it into a symbol of hate, anti-Semitism and the horrors of the Holocaust. Basically, he spoiled the swastika party for everyone.

Naturally, after World War II, the swastika became heavily stigmatised in the Western world due to its association with Nazi atrocities.

Many countries, particularly in Europe, have laws prohibiting the display of the swastika to prevent the promotion of hate speech and neo-Nazi ideologies.

Even so, in India, China, Japan, and other parts of Asia, the swastika remains a symbol of peace and prosperity. Its ancient cultural significance persists, unrelated to its Nazi connotations. This is not always readily understood.

If you’re interested to learn more, check out The Swastika: Symbol Beyond Redemption? by Steven Heller from 2008. Amazon.com link HERE.

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References

encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/history-of-the-swastika
bbc.com/news/magazine-29644591
slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/07/nazi-symbol-swastika-history-america.html

Images

1. Swastika graphic from more innocent times
2. The Balinese Hindu pura Goa Lawah entrance
3. Swastika symbol
4. A Hindu temple in Rajasthan, India
5. Jain symbol (Prateek) containing a swastika
6. The Canadian Fernie Swastikas (circa 1922) wore red jumpers with a crooked cross in white, a symbol of good luck until perverted by the Nazis. Credit: Fernie and District Historical Society.
7. Pillow cover offered by the Girls' Club in The Ladies Home Journal in 1912
8. Adolph Hitler
9. Nazi Germany flag incorporating a rotated "dynamic" swastika
10. Nazi party Nuremberg rally
11. At a rally, members of the Hitler Youth parade in the formation of a swastika to honour the Unknown Soldier, Germany, 27 August 27 1933.
12. Book: "The Swastika: Symbol Beyond Redemption?" by Steven Heller, 2008