Correct spelling for the English word "Swastica" is [swˈastɪkə], [swˈastɪkə], [s_w_ˈa_s_t_ɪ_k_ə] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Swastika is a symbol that dates back thousands of years and has a complex array of meanings across different cultures. The term "swastika" most commonly refers to a geometrical symbol in the form of a cross with arms that bend at right angles, resembling a hooked cross. It is found in various forms and orientations, but the most famous is the clockwise-rotated version.
Once widely regarded as a positive and sacred symbol, particularly in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the swastika represented good fortune, well-being, and prosperity. It symbolized the cycle of life, eternity, and the forces of creation and destruction. The symbol's usage spans over 5,000 years across diverse cultures including Native American, Celtic, and Chinese.
However, the swastika took on a much darker meaning in the 20th century due to its association with Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. The Nazis adopted the swastika as their emblem, rotating it counterclockwise, and perverted its significance to represent their hateful ideology, including anti-Semitism, racism, and genocide.
Due to the troubling association with Nazism, the swastika is now widely recognized as a symbol of hate, bigotry, and white supremacy. It is deeply stigmatized, and its public display in many countries, particularly in Europe, is strictly forbidden and often illegal.
It is crucial to understand the historical context and diverse interpretations of the swastika to recognize the duality of its meanings and the serious consequences of its misuse.
The word "swastika" is derived from the Sanskrit language. It comes from the combination of two Sanskrit words: "su" meaning "good" or "well", and "asti" meaning "being" or "to be". The word "swastika" can be roughly translated as "well-being" or "auspiciousness" in English.