The
swastika is an ancient symbol that has been used for over 3,000 years. (That
even predates the ancient Egyptian symbol, the Ankh!) Artifacts such as pottery
and coins from ancient Troy show that the swastika was a commonly used symbol as
far back as 1000 BCE.
The word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit svastika - "su"
meaning "good," "asti" meaning "to be," and
"ka" as a suffix.
Until the Nazis used this symbol, the swastika was used by many cultures
throughout the past 3,000 years to represent life, sun, power, strength, and
good luck.
Even in the early twentieth century, the swastika was still a symbol with
positive connotations. For instance, the swastika was a common decoration that
often adorned cigarette cases, postcards, coins, and buildings. During World War
I, the swastika could even be found on the shoulder patches of the American 45th
Division and on the Finnish air force until after World War II.
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