Symbols have the ability to transmit ideas and messages, being able to dispense with words. Likewise, many of these symbols have evolved or have been adapted to other purposes than those for which they were created, as is the case with the swastika.
The swastika is known worldwide as the symbol of white supremacy, used by the Germans since 1920. However, it is a centuries-old emblem, whose meaning has been linked to less reprehensible concepts.
According to historical data, the first references to this cross, which is distinguished by its four arms bent at right angles, were found in the 5th century BC, embodied in a clay plate from the city of Samarra in Iraq. According to the research of world-renowned historians and archaeologists, such as Sir Alexander Cunningham, the graphic origin of the cross was born from the acronym «su astí,» written in Sanskrit and whose literal meaning is well-being and good fortune.
Despite the various meanings that weigh on this symbol, it is for the Vishnuists – a Hindu religion whose god is Vishnu – for whom it has always had a special meaning, as mentioned in the Vedas, their sacred writings. Over the years, other religions in India began to identify with this symbol, including Jainism and Buddhism.
Within the beliefs named above, the swastika is present in temples, scriptures and in almost any physical material that refers to them. Specifically, it is the symbol of the impersonal image of God, called Brahman; the arms of the cross in a clockwise direction represent the evolution of the Universe and in the opposite direction they mean the destruction of the Universe, guided by the god Shiva. For its part, when interpreted with the four arms that make it up as a whole, it represents stability. Additionally, all Hindus consider it a sign of good luck and a symbol of power.
In addition to its clear religious connotation, the swastika has been used for centuries as an artistic motif, as demonstrated in Hindu and Roman works of art and architecture, where it is frequently a motif in mosaics and ceramic sculptures.
From an astrological point of view and as far as pagan beliefs are concerned, the swastika has also found a place. In the astrological wheel it is the symbol with which the signs of Pisces and Virgo are identified; in the first it is interpreted as the door to birth and in the second as the door to death.
On the other hand, and leaving aside the spiritual, esoteric and religious connotations, the swastika has also been used as the emblem of some companies and groups; the «boy scouts» used it as an emblem on their uniforms from 1911 to 1932, when it was withdrawn due to its similarity to the Nazi party flag. The Finnish Air Force used it as part of its medals from 1918 to 1945, while in Japan, it is currently used in various products for export to the West such as books, magazines or food.