What's the origin of the swastika symbol? What does it symbolise, and which ancient cultures used it?

lanfranco

Widely used as a holy symbol in India, the swastika showed up in a large number of ancient Eurasian cultures and among Native Americans. I believe I read that it was one of the favorite symbols of the Empress Alexandra of Russia. Here's a good site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastika Jul 14 05, 6:56 AM

barker111

It symbolized a variety of different themes, but since the Nazis adopted it as their symbol it is represents anti-semetism and white supremecy. Jul 14 05, 8:21 AM

BillyWhiz

The nazi swastika was anti-clockwise and the word does not exist in the German language Jul 14 05, 2:20 PM

barker111

The Nazis actually used a variety of swastikas: While the DAP and the NSDAP had used both right-facing and left-facing swastikas, the right-facing swastika is used consistently from 1920 onwards. However, Ralf Stelter notes that the swastika flag used on land had a right-facing swastika on both sides, while the ensign (naval flag) had it printed through so that you would see a left-facing swastika when looking at the ensign with the flagpole to the right.[21] Several variants are found: a 45° black swastika on a white disc as in the NSDAP and national flags; a 45° black swastika on a white lozenge (e.g. Hitler Jugend[22]); a 45° black swastika outlined by thin white and black lines on a white disc (e.g., the German War Ensign[23]); an upright black swastika outlined by thin white and black lines on a white disc (e.g., Hitler's personal flag, in which a gold wreath encircles the swastika; the Schutzstaffel; and the Reichsdienstflagge, in which a black circle encircles the swastika); small gold, silver, black, or white 45° swastikas, often lying on or being held by an eagle, on many badges and flags.[24] a swastika with curved outer arms forming a broken circle, as worn by the SS Nordland Division. (See photo at "Nordland Reenactors".) Jul 14 05, 3:50 PM

kokomania

The swastika is a very important symbol in Budhism and Hinduism.It symbolises the four foundations of the world-air,water,fire,ground.This symbol appears on Budha's chest.It was common among Indian tribes in America as well.They rejected this symbol when WWII broke out .A big swastika was found on a mosaic floor of an ancient Jewish synagogue discovered by archaeologists(this synagogue relics are in Ein-Gedi in Israel).The Greeks,Celts,Hitis also knew this sign. Jul 14 05, 8:03 PM

tjoebigham

The Nazis used a German word for the swastika: hakenkreutz, for "crooked cross". Jul 15 05, 7:51 AM

mibmob

Interestingly enough I have just spotted a mosaic in Herculaneum with this symbol at four corners. Jul 16 05, 8:52 AM