In some cultures, the swastika is a positive symbol
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (326083)
Rockingham, Australia
March 4, 2020 4:04am CST
The swastika is a geometrical figure, which has different connotations to different cultures. I would think mostly it is seen as associated with Nazism and anti-semitism so has very negative connotations.
However, in Hinduism, the swastika is a much more positive symbol. With the arms pointing clockwise, it means prosperity and good luck. With the arms counterclockwise, it symbolises night. The swastika also has meaning in several other religions. In Buddhism, it represents the auspicious footprints of the Buddha.
We saw the symbol quite often in Nepal and also several signs above businesses bearing the word ‘Swastika’. As you can see in the photo, the symbol appears on the lower corners of the banner which was positioned behind the bride and groom at a Hindu wedding we attended. Did you know about these other meanings of the swastika?
13 people like this
13 responses
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
4 Mar 20
I didn't know that the swastika is not exclusive to the Nazi. Thank you for the added knowledge.
2 people like this
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
4 Mar 20
@JudyEv all the while I thought the Swastika was invented by Hitler.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (326083)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Mar 20
@Alexandoy Me too but others here knew about its earlier origins.
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@DocAndersen (54407)
• United States
4 Mar 20
did has meant many postive things in many other countries for far longer than its bad recent meaning
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@JudyEv (326083)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Mar 20
@DocAndersen I know I've said it before but husbands can be right or happy but rarely both.
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@DocAndersen (54407)
• United States
4 Mar 20
@JudyEv i think you are sadly right. or, as I would tell my wife, yes dear, you are right.
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@MALUSE (69413)
• Germany
26 Mar 20
Yes, I've known this for about 60 years! I used to live in the north of Germany near one of the big rivers. We could watch the ocean liners go up and down the river to the ports. I could say where a ship came from by looking at the flag at the stern of the ships. I also learnt to identify some shipping companies by looking at the funnels. There is an Indian shipping company which has the swastika on the funnels of its ships.
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@JudyEv (326083)
• Rockingham, Australia
26 Mar 20
It would be interesting to know what percentage of the global population regard the swastika as something positive and what percentage see it as negative. You'd need to discount the neo-Nazis I guess.
@gofsey (1912)
• Madurai, India
5 Mar 20
@JudyEv Just put it down to the good eye (as opposed to the evil one) that keeps suggesting ridiculous combinations. After all, 1 + 4 = 2 + 3 so there is no "one way" about anything is there? Another possibility is always looming on the horizon. Possibly a wonderful one!
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@pumpkinjam (8539)
• United Kingdom
4 Mar 20
I was aware of these origins. The origins of the word 'Swastika' means 'conducive to well-being'. I always thought that the Nazis turned the clockwise Swastika the other way but, apparently, both the clockwise Swastika and the anti-clockwise Sauwastika are used in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, and often represents the goddess Kali.
It's not the first (and I am sure it won't be the last) piece of symbolism to have its meaning altered.
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@JudyEv (326083)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Mar 20
I'm sure you're right about symbolism being altered. Because of its link with Nazism, it gives a very negative vibe to many people here.
@snowy22315 (170271)
• United States
4 Mar 20
I did not know that. I guess I would have been suprised to see it on a banner.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (326083)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Mar 20
It has a very bad 'image' over here. I think everyone links it with Nazism.
@RebeccasFarm (86787)
• United States
4 Mar 20
Oh that is cool did not know that Judy
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95490)
• Marion, Ohio
4 Mar 20
Most things have more than one meaning.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (326083)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Mar 20
It doesn't really sit well with me even knowing that it can be a positive. We were doing double takes too and virtually whispering to each other, saying stuff like - look over my left shoulder and to the right, on the red sign Can't you see the symbol? Oh hang on, I'm facing you Look to the left then. See it now? No, I'm not going to point to it .It's a s w a s t i k a.' Stuff like that. 
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@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
4 Mar 20
Yes, I was aware of that.
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@LindaOHio (156717)
• United States
4 Mar 20
I didn't know that. Thanks for the information.
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