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The symbol -

The swastika consists of a cross with four arms, which can be right or left-facing (clockwise or counterclockwise).

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Prehistory -

The earliest record of a swastika dates back to 10,000 BCE. The symbol was found carved into a bird figurine in Mezine, Ukraine. The swastika can also be found in a prehistoric stone wall in Iran called Lakh Mazar (not pictured). It’s believed to date back 7,000 years.

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Religious and spiritual symbolism -

The symbolism of the swastika has strong roots, especially in ancient Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

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Religious and spiritual symbolism -

But the symbol is also relevant in the West, where it was used by the Celts, Balto-Slavs, Greco-Romans, and Native Americans, among others. Now, let’s take a look at how the swastika was used throughout the years.

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It’s key in ancient Indian tradition -

According to Ajay Chaturvedi, author of ‘Lost Wisdom of the Swastika,’ "The swastika is a four-dimensional cube used in Vedic Mathematics, and also symbolises an entire state of being in Indian philosophy–the fourth state of consciousness, which is beyond waking, sleeping and dreaming.”

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Hinduism -

The roots of the word come from the Sanskrit su ("good") and asti ("to prevail"), which essentially mean well-being and prosperity.

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Hinduism -

The swastika is a symbol for the Brahman (the absolute or supreme existence) and has connotations of eternity and motion. The symbol is commonly found in Hindu homes and decoration.

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Hinduism -

The swastika is also linked to the four yugas, the four stages of life, and the four Vedas of Hindu scriptures.

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Hinduism -

Depending on the Hindu tradition, swastikas can face both sides, and have different meanings. The clockwise version is a symbol for the motion of the sun, whereas the counterclockwise one is sometimes linked to the night.

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Buddhism -

The shape of the swastika represents eternal cycling in Buddhist tradition and has been associated with Buddha's footsteps.

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Buddhism -

It’s not uncommon to find the symbol imprinted on images of the Buddha. The chest, feet, or palms are some of the most common places where the swastika is found.

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Jainism -

The swastika is also an important symbol in this ancient Indian religion. The symbol is linked to rebirth, and the cycle of birth and death our souls go through.

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Caucasus -

Swastikas predating the Bronze Age have been found in Armenia. This ancient symbol of eternity traveled to the West many years ago.

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Germanic Iron Age -

The swastika can be found in numerous artifacts throughout Northern Europe, from the Vikings (example pictured) to the Anglo-Saxons.

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Northern Europe -

The Celts also used the symbol, and so did many Balto-Slavic and Sami peoples.

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Southern Europe -

Both the ancient Greeks and Romans used the swastika. This is an example of an ancient Greek artifact with several swastikas.

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Southern Europe -

And here is an ancient Roman mosaic floor from the necropolis of Altino in Italy.

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Africa -

The Akan peoples in Ghana used the symbol (gold weights pictured).

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Africa -

The use of the swastika in Africa extends to Ethiopia. Here is an example at a church in the famed town of Lalibela.

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America -

And if you think the swastika didn’t reach the Americas until the Nazis made it popular, think again. The Navajo most notably used the symbol in North America, but so did the Guna people in Panama. The Navajo eventually banned its use in 1940, after the Nazis hijacked it.

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20th century -

The symbol was adopted by many individuals, companies, and even military forces. It was not until the Nazis hijacked it that it became associated with evil.

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Carlsberg Elephant Tower -

The tower that served as the original Carlsberg Breweries site can be found in Copenhagen, Denmark. The elephants are known to feature swastikas.

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Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain -

In this detail of the Mosque-Cathedral in the south of Spain, it's possible to see the swastika pattern. It was first built as a mosque in 785 CE.

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Shoin Shrine -

The Shinto shrine in Hagi, Japan, also features the famous symbol.

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KiMo Theatre -

Pictured: a detail of traditional Navajo symbols at the famous KiMo Theatre in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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And then the Nazis stole it -

Of course, the Nazi party eventually adopted the swastika, ultimately giving a negative connotation to the symbol. Hitler made use of it in the party's flag, which was found pretty much everywhere.

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And then the Nazis stole it -

The Nazi version of the swastika, known as hakenkreuz ("hooked cross"), that was found in the party's flag was rotated 45 degrees and placed in a white circle with a red background.

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Current use -

Unfortunately, the swastika is still used by the far-right, neo-Nazis, and white supremacist groups to this day. This perpetuates its association with hate.

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Reclaiming the swastika -

Nevertheless, some believe it's time to claim back the swastika from evil and make it what it once was.

Sources: (BBC 1 and 2) (Learn Religions) (Holocaust Encyclopedia) 

See also: Famous Christian symbols explained

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