This symbol is instantly recognizable, the swastika. It was the symbol of Nazi Germany and is today used by radical Neo-Nazi groups around the world promoting ultranationalism, racism, ableism, xenophobia, homophobia and antisemitism.
But the symbol long predates Nazi Germany. The earliest known example was found in Mezine, Ukraine dated about 10,000 BC. It was found on pottery in the Devetashka cave, Bulgaria, dated 6,000 BC. It was in common use by the Indus Valley Civilization in India 3300–1300 BC.[1]
The meaning of the symbol was very different. In the Zoroastrian religion it was a symbol of the revolving sun, infinity, or continuing creation. In Jainism the four arms of the swastika symbolize the four places where a soul could be reborn in the cycle of birth and death. In Armenia the swastika is the ancient symbol of eternity and eternal light (i.e. God). In Christianity, the swastika is used as a hooked version of the Cross, the symbol of Christ’s victory over death. In North America it was also used by native american tribes. To the Hopi it represents the wandering Hopi clan; to the Navajo it the symbol for the whirling log used in healing rituals. Before the 1930’s it was the symbol for the 45th Infantry Division of the United States Army, a tribute to the large Native American population in the southwestern United States.
But today, at least in the Western world, it a symbolizes only one thing—hate.
Today there is another symbol whose meaning has changed over the years. Originally the Battle Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia and adopted throughout the Confederacy. It became the emblem of the United Confederate Veterans and the later Sons of Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The Second Confederate Navy Jack flag, a rectangular version, is most commonly seen today.
It was viewed as a symbol of Southern ancestry and heritage, representing the cultural tradition of the Southern United States and honoring those who fell during the Civil War.
But that symbol was hijacked by white supremacist groups around the country promoting their agenda of racism, xenophobia, homophobia and antisemitism. It now symbolizes only one thing—hate.
[1] Wikipedia contributors, Swastika, retrieved June 24, 2015