Common misconception is that the swastika is the hakenkruez, but it is not.
The swastika is an ancient symbol used for thousands of years across many cultures, originally representing well-being, good fortune, and sacredness. It appears in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Native American art, and other spiritual traditions, often associated with the sun, cycles, or prosperity. The Hakenkreuz is the Nazi version, which was altered and based on the swastika.
German Version: Hakenkreuz
In German, the swastika was called the Hakenkreuz, which means “hooked cross”.
What the Nazis Did to It:
When the Nazi Party adopted the swastika in the 1920s, they:
• Tilted it 45 degrees (making it stand on a point instead of flat)
• Rotated it clockwise, though this wasn’t unique to them
• Placed it inside a white circle on a red background, becoming the flag of Nazi Germany
• Used it as a central symbol of Aryan identity, nationalism, and Nazi ideology
Because of its strong association with Adolf Hitler, the Holocaust, and World War II, the swastika as used by the Nazis became a symbol of hate, racism, and fascism in the West. This changed how the world views the symbol, even though it had a positive meaning in other cultures for millennia.
Swastika Origin:
Word Origin
• Sanskrit: स्वस्तिक (svastika)
• From the root:
• su = “good” or “well”
• asti = “to be” or “it is”
• -ka = suffix making it a noun
→ Together: “well-being”, “good existence”, or “good luck”
It literally means “that which is associated with well-being” or simply “auspicious symbol.”
The swastika appears independently in many ancient civilizations:
• India – used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism (represents luck, cosmic order, divinity)
• China and Japan – as a Buddhist symbol of eternity or the universe
• Ancient Europe – found on pottery, coins, and textiles from Greece, Rome, and the Celts
• Native American cultures – symbolizing life, the sun, and harmony
Its earliest known use dates back to at least 7,000 years ago, found in Neolithic Eurasia.
So, just because someone altered the meaning of something; doesn’t mean its original meaning doesn’t exist.
Educate yourself.
Zenia is a multifaceted artist, musician, singer, actress, and tech advisor, dedicated to inspiring transformation through authentic expression. A natural wellness advocate and activist, she supports movements, foundations, and individuals committed to meaningful change. Zenia empowers people to live from the heart, harnessing the power of music, art, lifestyle shifts, and conscious awareness. Rooted in a family legacy of yoga, meditation, holistic health, education, and law, she carries forward a tradition of healing and knowledge, blending artistry with advocacy to make a lasting impact on the world.
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