Over the centuries, various religions have been created and consigned to oblivion. Almost always some symbol was created to express that religion. However, with the passage of time, some of these symbols changed their meaning.
Pentagram –
The first thing that probably comes to mind when you think of the pentagram is a Satanic cult. However, it was only in the last hundred years or so that Satanic cults used the pentagram. And the notation must be inverted to signify Satan. Another religious organization, as you might imagine, is the Wiccan religion. Wiccan is not the oldest religion either, but it means ancient paganism. Unlike Satanic worship, the pentagram is not inverted in the Wiccan faith.
In the past, the pentagram was associated with many other religions. Some of these include Judaism, Paganism, and indeed early Christianity. Note earlier how I said that the standing cross should be inverted to represent Satan? It was also used in the same way by the early Christians. I guess that’s what you call irony.
Swastika –
Hitler first comes to mind when you see a picture of a swastika. But guess what? The Swastika is thousands thousandsold and is considered a sacred symbol. by many religions. It is also known as the oldest holy symbol. You will find the Swastika in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, some native faiths, and many others.
So if you’re visiting a country like Thailand and you see a swastika in a Buddhist temple, try not to be offended. Apparently, Hitler decided to steal this symbol and use it for nefarious purposes. While Hitler used the swastika to promote hatred and genocide, the true meaning of the swastika is life and luck. Understandably, very few people who know about Hitler ever think of the swastika as a symbol of life and happiness. And who can blame them?
Cross –
It also appears that Christians were not the first people to use the cross to depict their idea. In fact, the cross was used for thousands of years before Christ was born. And the early Christians really despised the cross because it signified punishment. Instead of using the cross, Christians use the fish symbol for Jesus (many still do).
It wasn’t until about the fourth century AD that Christians began using the cross to signify their faith. This apparently happened because of the conversion of the Roman emperor Constantine. After his conversion, Constantine was crucified and proscribed. Thus the cross was finally integrated into Christianity.
Among the other religions that used the cross, my favorite is the Egyptian religion. The Egyptian cross is actually a hieroglyphic symbol that roughly translated means life. The Egyptian cross is also known as the Ankh. It used to mean the goddess Isis or other gods. Of course, no one is sure. The cross was also used by the ancient pagans to represent the four cardinal points (Air, Fire, Water, Earth).
Another god who has cross ties is the Norse god Thor. Thor’s cross is actually an inverted hammer shaped like a cross (no known Christian connection). And you know what else Thor means? A certain day of the week which we are accustomed to call Thursday.
As you can see, time changes the meaning of symbols. Evil in the past may be seen as good in the future or vice versa. So the next time you see a symbol and automatically assume it’s wrong, do some research. You might be surprised.
Source:
http://history1900s.about.com/cs/swastika/a/swastikahistory.htm
