History of the Swastika: Analysis
Most people associate the swastika with Hitler, the Nazis, and the Holocaust. Because of this, it has become a symbol of hatred and violence. However, the symbol known as the swastika has been in existence for over 3,000 years, and a variety of cultures have used it in a variety of ways. Although different cultures called it by different names, the actual work swastika is Indian, actually from the Sanskrit. One writer notes, "The word 'swastika' comes from the Sanskrit svastika - 'su' meaning 'good,' 'asti' meaning 'to be,' and 'ka' as a suffix" (Rosenberg, 2007). Thus, initially the meaning of the symbol was a positive one, and some cultures looked at the symbol as a religious emblem, similar to a cross, but it also symbolized good luck and power. The symbol has been used throughout history to decorate everything from buildings and temples to pottery vessels and even military uniforms. (An American Division, the 4th, actually used it as one of their uniform patches in World War I) (Rosenberg, 2007). Archeologists have found numerous representations of the symbol on the ancient ruins of Troy, establishing its use for thousands of years (Quinn, 1994, p. 49). Thus, its use is long established and well recorded. How most
Bureau of Reclamation engineers traveled to India to study their dams and weirs, and when they came back, they designed the dam with traditional Hindu symbols for good luck. In fact, many cultures used it as a form of decoration and design, or even worship. Most would not understand the symbol is an important religious symbol in the country, and it is used to bring good luck to families and religious temples. He writes, "Also present was Professor Ludwig Muller of Copenhagen, an advocate of the theory that the swastika was the emblem of the supreme god of the Aryan race" (Quinn, 1994, p. One is the Laguna Dam, near Yuma Arizona. Thus, it began to represent white supremacy in many people's minds long before Hitler appropriated it to use as his symbol of the Nazi party. That is why it is important to understand more than just current history and beliefs, it is necessary to have a broader understanding of history, culture, and symbolism. The swastika is an excellent example of this. The recent history of the swastika overshadows its past, and now, swastikas represent evil, death, and the Holocaust. The swastika clearly means different things to different cultures. While most modern people only understand the negative meanings of this symbol, it has been used around the world to symbolize good luck and peace. American culture has recognized the swastika as a symbol of hatred and intolerance for decades. Thus, it is important to understand that symbols like the swastika have many different meanings, and to be open to those, instead accepting partial knowledge as absolute truth. The swastika has come to represent everything evil about a society or culture, but throughout time it has been used by many cultures for many different reasons.
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