Have you ever wondered what the swastika symbol stands for? Did you know that the swastika has been found on artifacts that are over 3000 years old? According to the American-Israeli (2007), the word swastika was used to describe the hooked cross. Would you be surprised to learn that is a symbol of being fortunate, not Anti-Semitism (Smith, 2007)? In some cultures, they actually turned the symbol clockwise or added something to it.
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
