The Swastika

The swastika is an ancient symbol featuring a cross with arms bent at right angles, traditionally associated with good luck, prosperity, and spiritual well-being in many cultures around the world, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Native American traditions. However, in the 20th century, it was co-opted by the Nazi Party in Germany, becoming a symbol of hate, racism, and oppression due to its association with Nazi ideology. Today, the context determines its meaning: in some cultures it's a positive emblem, while in others, it evokes the atrocities of the Holocaust and is viewed negatively.