A symbol or ornament in the form of a Greek cross with the ends of the
arms at right angles all in the same direction, and each prolonged to
the height of the parallel arm of the cross.
A great many modified forms exist, ogee and volute as well as
rectilinear, while various decorative designs, as Greek fret or meander,
are derived from or closely associated with it.
The swastika is found in remains from the Bronze Age in various parts of
Europe, esp. at Hissarlik (Troy), and was in frequent use as late as the
10th century.
It is found in ancient Persia, in India, where both Jains and Buddhists
used (or still use) it as religious symbol, in China and Japan, and
among Indian tribes of North, Central, and South America.
It is usually thought to be a charm, talisman, or religious token, esp.
a sign of good luck or benediction.
Max M["u]Ller distinguished from the swastika, with arms prolonged to
the right, the suavastika, with arms prolonged to the left, but this
distinction is not commonly recognized.
Other names for the swastika are fylfot and gammadion.
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from a search in http://www.dejanews.com for 'origin of swastika';
It is not now nor has it ever been a Chinese or Kanji character. It
predates Chinese civilization and is Indo-Aryan in origin, if not MUCH
older. Interestingly, it seems to have developed independently on this
continent, being used by the Hopi and Navajo.
Whether facing left/west or right/east it is still a swastika and, while
its origins are older than Shakyamuni, it was, in fact assimilated by
buddhism along with much other earlier symbology and HAS, in fact,
become a major symbol of not only buddhism, but vedanta as well as many
other cultural and religious traditions east and west.
....swastika (the word) is not German, it is Sanskrit in origin.
"Svasti" Hitler was just smart enough to incorporate it into his
national symbology, knowing full well its power in symbol and cultural
subconcious (see Jung on myth and symbol).
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What I find interesting is the shape...perhaps the ancient Indian 'gods'
used this shape to propel their 'vimanas'....either ascend or for
lateral propulsion, so it became incorporated as a religious symbol.
-- Jerry Wayne Decker / jdecker@keelynet.com http://keelynet.com / "From an Art to a Science" Voice : (214) 324-8741 / FAX : (214) 324-3501 KeelyNet - PO BOX 870716 - Mesquite - Republic of Texas - 75187