2006-09-28 01:29:58 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Actually, the swastika has quite a long history. Here are just a few examples of cultures/religions that have used the swastika (or some form of the swastika) and its meaning to each particular culture:
Hinduism - the swastika is a symbol for the god Brahma
Buddhism - the swastika represents "eternality"
Jainism - it represents the seventh Jaina saint, Tirthankara Suparsva
Early Christianity, Judaism, and Islam - the swastika was often used for decorative purposes, although in some instances, it represented "good luck"
Hopi Native Americans - the swastika was a symbol used during healing ceremonies
Nazi party - the Nazis used the swastika link themselves with their supposed "Aryan ancestry"
Finland - the swastika was the official symbol of the Finnish Air force from 1918 to 1944
Ancient Greece - the swastika was sometimes associated with the goddess Athena
2006-09-28 02:06:03 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Hopi used this symbol until it became unpopular during the 1930s. They used it to represent a form of "life progress" as far as I understand.
It is interesting that it was a Nazi symbol and was not used directly by the German forces, for example.
2006-09-28 11:10:38 · answer #2 · answered by andyoptic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an ancient symbol that goes back to prehistoric times, and has meant different things to different cultures. I'm not sure why Hitler chose it to represent the Third Reich, but his doing so has turned an inocuous symbol into a sinister one.
2006-09-28 08:39:56 · answer #3 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES, there are. It's really an older symbol used in mosaics. It has become an evil symbol now, of course.
Did you know that in the 1930s, children in school who said the pledge of allegiance would hold their hand up to the flag just like the Nazis did when they said "Heil Hitler". We got rid of that custom too.
2006-09-28 08:38:34 · answer #4 · answered by sixgun 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Different meanings to different cultures. In the Southwest the Hopi Indians used it and it meant peace. Hitler reversed it. I have a Hopi basket with swastika symbols on it. Also seen in their cave art.
2006-09-28 09:24:14 · answer #5 · answered by Shaman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Egyptians used the same symbol. To them it was the sign of life.
2006-09-28 08:34:37 · answer #6 · answered by dewhatulike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I once saw the design on a Native American Indian bracelet.
2006-09-28 10:32:42 · answer #7 · answered by jassy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in Korea it's a symbol of luck and fortune, most fortune tellers use that symbol as well
2006-09-28 08:37:54 · answer #8 · answered by Chablis F 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋