The History of the Swastika: the World's Oldest Emblem

The word "swastika" comes from the sanskrit word "svastika" meaning "conservative to well being". �The predominant symbol for swastika, , has been being used in some form for over 3,000 years. �Earliest swastikas were found in the Euphrates-Tigris, and indus river valleys. Swastikas were also a common sign on pottery and coins from ancient Troy.�500 years later, when Sakyumuni brought Buddhism to China from India, the Chinese adopted common use of the swastika. �Through Buddhism, the swastika would eventually spread to Japan as well as other parts of Eastern Asia and Southern Europe. �Approximately 2,000 years ago the swastika would be used in Jewish synagouges and in some early Christian churches. �At this time, the Aryans (who settled in modern day Iran) would use the swastika as a symbol of their purity as a people.

On a completely different hemisphere, the swastika made it's debut in what would be come Central and North America. �The Mound Builders of the Ohio River Valley and Cliff Dwellers of Southwestern United States considered the symbol a charm to drive away evil and bring good luck, long life, and prosperity to it's possessor. Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism and Hindu all used the swastika in their teachings and the symbolism of the swastika in these cultures (especially Hindu) made the swastika a sacred symbol.

By the early 20th century, the swastika had long been a sacred and valued symbol of good luck and purity. �It was the official symbol of the Finnish air force from 1918 until the 1950's and it was worn on a shoulder patch of Americans in the 45th division in World War II. �It was also imprinted on postcards, coins, and commonly associated with other good luck charms such as the horseshoe and the rising sun.

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