Why is it frowned upon to wear a fylfot cross (Swastika), but wearing a cross is ok?

Question

Yes, Hitler did corrupt the meanings of several of the ancient and holy symbols of the original Germanic tribes (which includes Germans obviously, Scandinavians, Frisians, etc), but the KKK used the cross as a symbol of hate as well. Why do you think it is still acceptable in US society to wear a cross and it is not considered a 'hate' symbol, but wearing a fylfot (Swastika) is considered shocking or "wrong"?

I'm asking for opinions here, so please be nice to each other if the only issue you have with them is disagreeing with their opinion.

~Morg~

Sally, why am I mean? I just want to be able to wear a holy symbol without someone being so ignorant as to ask me if I'm a Nazi. What part of that makes me mean?

Answer 1

Actually I do have a golden fylfot pendent. I would not ever use it in any offensive way, but neither will I be ashamed to use the sacred symbols of our people. Symbols such as the fylfot have existed for many millenia free from any conatations of fear and racial hatred. This most sacred of symbols was greatly abused by the twentieth century, but for the vast majority of its history it has been seen as a mighty symbol dynamic cosmic power.

If we don't reclaim our symbols we are basically letting the bigots win.

And to those people saying it isn't a religious symbol, it is. Associated with fire and lightning, the Fylfot is particularly holy to Thor, and is a potent symbol of dynamic cosmic power, and unstoppable swirling strength of the will, invoking his might & protection. This motif occurs frequently throughout the lands of the wide ranging Teutons since the early Bronze Age and are prominent on cremation urns and carved memorial grave stones with early Runic inscriptions, seeking Thor's protection in the afterlife.

Answer 2

Because when people adorn themselves with the swastika they mean it to represent hatred towards anything non-Aryan. When people adorn themselves with the cross it is mean to represent their affiliation with a religion and not necessarily hatred towards a certain group.

Unfortunately what was once meant to be a symbol of good luck was twisted to forever represent Hitler and the Nazi's. The cross represents Jesus Christ. And no matter if you believe in Jesus or not, the teachings of Jesus were kind and gentle. The KKK hasn't been powerful enough to twist the cross to mean something so terrible. Or maybe the symbol of the cross just isn't old enough yet to be twisted. The swastika is a very ancient symbol, dating much further back then the cross. When something is that old, it is easier manipulated because people have forgotten the true meaning.

Very interesting question.

***************

Interesting information is that the swastika symbol was used independently by different groups of people from all over the world from Native Americans to Hindu's to pre-Christian European history.

Answer 3

I would think it's because christianity and the use of the cross as a symbol of christ is still actively used. the hooked cross that is the swastika may have been an ancient symbol of original germanic tribes, but the symbolism had fell out of use and was resurrected into usage by hitler, so the meaning has become irrevocably linked to one another.

it's worth nothing, however, that the manji (untilted swastika, more or less, hooks can run either to the left or right) still exists prevalently in buddhism and buddhist societies. and a lot of western tourists become amused and shocked, not understanding the ancient symbolism of the swastika throughout difference cultures and time.

Answer 4

Because most people do see swastika as a sign of hate. By wearing it, people will a assume that you are anti-semantic and a racist. Many symbols of the world have been used and abuse, sad to say. Maybe one day, it will gain it's original meaning some day, but until then, I would not recommend wearing a swastika if you do not want the negative attention that comes with it.

Answer 5

I think just because of what you said; in most folks' eyes, Hitler turned that into a symbol of evil and hate. So I know that if I see someone wearing a swastika symbol, I will assume they are some kind of bigoted hater. A cross symbolizes Christianity. They've done their share of evil in the name of God, but the cross is not perceived as a symbol of pure evil like the swastika is.

Answer 6

Fylfot

Answer 7

Because people fall into strange associations too easily. That was the most utilized symbol. As I recall, it's also a Japanese symbol for peace, or something [I forget the exact meaning].

Heck, a Greek symbol is the exact same thing [That is, there is a blocky cross of the same shape]. Lots of cultures enjoy crosses with different motifs, not just Tau, Solar, or Latin.

Answer 8

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/avxFx

It isn't that we "can't", there is just no reason to. The late President of the Church, Gordon B. Hinkley, said: "I do not wish to give offense to any of my Christian colleagues who use the cross on the steeples of their cathedrals and at the altars of their chapels, who wear it on their vestments, and imprint it on their books and other literature. But for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the living Christ. . ." Elder Gregory Schwitzer (a leader just under the Apostles) said: "The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes what happened on the cross, but this message and meaning is within each of us and requires no external symbol to manifest our faith. Our cross is the giving up of worldly sins and following the Savior with a humble heart and an obedient spirit." LDS people (Mormons) should not be offended by the display of a cross. A good friend of mine (not a Mormon) gave me a beautiful Celtic Cross (about 2 or 3 inches tall). I graciously thanked him for it and displayed it in my bedroom for several years. We are not forbidden to have crosses or anything like that, we just don't really feel the need when we feel close to God already by trying our best to live a Christ-like life.

Answer 9

Nazis never reached a critical mass of acceptance/conquest in which people willfully ignored past mass-murders like the Crusades, the witch hunts and the slaying of countless aboriginal peoples worldwide.

Answer 10

its looked down upon because its associated with the Nazi and Hitler , the history of the swastika other then the Nazi is actually the opposite of hatred .