SWASTIKA Meaning and
Definition
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The swastika is a symbol consisting of an equilateral cross with each of its legs bent at a right angle, forming a shape resembling a four-armed hook or a Greek key pattern. Historically, the swastika has been widely used as a sacred motif in several ancient cultures around the world, predating its association with Nazism by thousands of years.
Derived from the Sanskrit word "svastika," which translates to "well-being," "auspicious," or "good fortune," the swastika has served as a symbol of positivity, luck, and prosperity for millennia. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, it represents good karma and the sun's radiant energy. Various Native American tribes and pre-Columbian civilizations also employed the swastika in their religious iconography as a symbol of protection and spiritual well-being.
However, due to its misappropriation and association with Nazi Germany during the 20th century, the swastika has become heavily stigmatized and associated with hate, white supremacy, and violence. The Nazi regime adopted the reversed, tilted version of the swastika, known as the "Hakenkreuz," as its official emblem, forever altering its perception in Western societies.
It is crucial to recognize the historical significance and original intent behind the swastika while also acknowledging its highly controversial and sensitive modern connotations. Through understanding and education, it is possible to foster conversations that highlight its multifaceted nature, separating the ancient symbol's sacred origins from the crimes and ideologies it has come to represent.
Top Common Misspellings for SWASTIKA *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SWASTIKA
Etymology of SWASTIKA
The word "swastika" has its origins in the Sanskrit language of ancient India. It is derived from the combination of two Sanskrit words: "su" (meaning "well" or "good") and "asti" (meaning "being" or "existing"). The word "swastika" could be translated as "well-being" or "auspiciousness".
The symbol itself, known as the swastika, consists of a cross with four arms bent at 90-degree angles in a clockwise direction. It is found in various cultures worldwide, predating its association with Nazism and Adolf Hitler's regime. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the swastika has long been considered a sacred and positive symbol representing fortune, prosperity, and good luck.
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