The Swastika's Origins and Meanings: Cultural Contexts
Before the symbols meaning was changed, the swastika was used to represent "life, sun, power, strength, and good luck". Many cultures consider the emblem to be sacred part of their lives and faith. How did this positive symbol, become an emblem of hate that is recognized around the world? These types of crosses have been found on "artifacts" found in "Sanskrit" and "the ancient city of Troy" (American-Israeli, 2007).
According to Smith (2007), the Great Goddess Artemis is said to have a female triangle with a swastika symbol drawn on her stomach. The same emblem was called the "Cross of Thor", which has been found on "old coins" . The "Buddhists", "Native Indians", and "Christians" (American-Israeli Coop., 2007), were all using this emblem to represent their supreme deity.
Surprisingly, even old Jewish temples have been found with a swastika symbols on it. So, why did Hitler use this positive symbol or emblem, to further his campaign for hate? Before the Nazi movement, Smith (2007) states that an eight armed swastika symbol was used for punishing heretics by the German courts. This emblem was also associated with the "Inquisition" and "civil tribunes" of Germany.
But as Germany grew, the four legged swastika became a symbol of "German nationalism and pride". Soon, many Germans used this symbol in their advertisements and newspapers. In the mid "1920's", the Nazi's regime adopted the emblem and changed its meaning to..."victory of the Aryan man" (American-Israeli, 2007). Since WWI and WWII, the entire world believes that the swastika symbolizes Anti-Semitism.
However, the symbol has been a positive emblem for other cultures. They believe that the symbol has a deep spiritual meaning that has been ruined by the Nazi regime. They stole the swastika from other cultures and lied about its meaning. Many wonder, if education can bring back its true meaning and sacred value, once again. Therefore, only time will tell, whether or not Hitler's lie will continue to prevail?
References:
The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprises (2007) The Swastika
Retrieved on the World Wide Web on October 20, 2007
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Holocaust/Swastika.html
Smith T. (2007) Swastika
Retrieved on the World Wide Web on October 20, 2007
http://www.valdostamuseum.org/hamsmith/swas.html
Published by Imogen Rayne AAB BSCOM
Crystal S. Kauffman is a Freelance Copywriter, Published Author, Poet, and Songwriter with 14 years of experience. Her chosen pen name is Imogen Rayne, since she first thought of it in 1995 and adopted the n... View profile
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22 Comments
Post a CommentSwastika is the symbol of Aryan Hindu Gods. Hinduism is probably 100,000 years older than the faiths that came out of Jerusleum that have been fighting and killing in the last 2000 years. Himmler and Gobbles were carrying a text of Gita to proclaim that they were doing the duty of killing!! Hindu dharma does not preach killing even an animal, in the true aryan sense. Hitler practised it by not eating any meat, but then went on to kill the humans. Jewish problem will continue andc torment the world, the solution lies in Gandhism and not killing. Applies to all the human animals!
Veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery interesting!
I've lived in Germany 31 years and can truly say that the most things written or said about Germany in most all aspects are definately WRONG!! I left the country because my children who were born there have all grown up and on their on. The other reason reason is because of the increasing RACISUM which has always been there, but is increasingly rising due to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The other thing is through observing, and listening, the subject Hitler and the Nazis has become very popular in Germany as something wish 80 percent of the people of all ages as National Pride. Hitler is now days the HERO and the PRIDE of the country, and the dangerious part about it is that the Media is backing it. More than ever has this subject become more popular than ever, where people are very proud of what happened and how it was, and wish that White Supremecy would rule again.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Nice article, I wrote a similiar one if you would like to check it out. I love learning and discussing history. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/367851/the_swastikas_legend_a_brief_history.html?page=2
I maintain, you did an excellent job on this article. I wonder how many original good/positive meanings have been preverted by evil?
I know that swastika is the holy symbol in Zen and Buddhism, but your article has broaden my knowledge. I read manga (Japanese comic) and there is a character wearing a kimono that has swastika symbol on his back! I enjoy this great article very much. Thank you Imogen. :-)
Intriguing. I had always heard the swastika was a twisted cross, which is quite significant, spiritually speaking. You added a lot of interesting historical background.
Fascinating topic!
To this day it amazes me the power people give symbols. Which is why I love to learn about the history of symbols. Nice job!