The Swastika, with archaeological evidence from the Harappan culture circa 3000 BCE and rooted in the Indian Civilization, tells a fascinating story across civilizations. Archaeological discoveries in Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro have established a standard of settlements that formed invaluable “archaeological heritage”. One can thus get an idea of how deep this symbol has penetrated by its presence across over 750,000 square kilometers. The fact that it was found on various artifacts in that period implies positive connotations on the part of Harappans. In pre-Christian Europe, however, we find it as having been embraced by both Celts and Greeks as a good luck charm or for symbolizing the sun. Delving into the historical and cultural significance of the Swastika, this article traces the depths of diverse civilizations, emphasizing the symbol’s positive connotations.
The roots of the Swastika in the Harappan culture and its etymology in Sanskrit as “well-being” highlights its resilience and diffusion across various cultures. However, despite all negative connotations associated with it during 20th century, Swastika is still considered to be positive in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism etc., epitomizing life’s greatest joys such as prosperity or happiness. First appearing around 3000 BC in what would become known as Harappan civilization, it took form of a fluid cross represented on pottery items together with other materials like seals among other things. The symbol’s presence in this ancient civilization suggests its early association with positive attributes, possibly related to fertility, prosperity, or cosmic balance.
Swastika across the Globe
Beyond the Indian subcontinent, the Swastika found a place in Celtic culture, often called a “sun wheel.” The Celts, Greeks, and Norse integrated Swastika-like designs into their art and symbolism, associating them with positive attributes, protection, and the cyclical renewal of life.
Ancient Greece embraced the Swastika, referred to as “gammadion,” as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The symbol adorned artifacts, pottery, and architecture, with the meander pattern resembling the Swastika, emphasizing infinity, unity, and the unending flow of life.
Baltic and Slavic cultures regarded the Swastika as a symbol of the Sun, fertility, and protection. Norse mythology linked it to Thor, the god of thunder, associating the symbol with protective power and good luck.
In Japan, the Swastika, known as “Manji,” symbolizes good luck, eternity, and enlightenment in Buddhism and Shintoism. China, with its “Wan” symbol, incorporates the Swastika into Buddhism, Taoism, and folklore, symbolizing longevity, good luck, and happiness.
Among the Akan people in Ghana and Ivory Coast, Swastika-like patterns are integrated into Adinkra symbols. In contrast, the Amazigh people in North Africa feature geometric designs reminiscent of the Swastika in rugs and pottery.
Ancient Middle Eastern civilizations, including the Hittites and Sumerians, embraced the Swastika as a decorative motif, signifying positive or auspicious meanings. In Mesoamerica, the Aztecs and Mayans attributed sacred meanings to the Swastika, symbolizing the Sun, creation, and cosmic order.
Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Hopewell, and Hopi, integrated the Swastika into their spiritual practices, symbolizing creation, harmony, and balance.
Delving into the Vedas, the Swastika becomes a cosmic symbol embodying harmony and the cyclical nature of time. Its arms represent cardinal directions and stars, aligning with astronomical principles. In the Bon religion, the Swastika, known as “Yungdrung,” symbolizes spiritual energy and equilibrium. It features prominently in rituals, temples, and sacred texts. Within Hinduism, the Swastika signifies the Sun, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment, adorning temples and households across the Indian subcontinent. The right-facing “Sathio” is especially auspicious.
Buddhism, influenced by Hinduism, embraces the Swastika as a symbol of Buddha’s presence, enlightenment, and the Dharma. Jainism, too, integrates the Swastika, representing the four states of existence and spiritual progress. Tibetan Buddhism incorporates the Swastika into the “Tashi Tagye,” emphasizing its role in Buddha’s teachings. The symbol, with clockwise and counter-clockwise orientations, holds positive connotations. In Jainism, the Swastika appears in temples, representing blessings and spiritual energy. It symbolizes the eternal cycle of birth, life, and rebirth, reflecting Jain cosmology.
Sikhism also features the Swastika in Gurdwaras, signifying good fortune. Beyond religious contexts, the Swastika is a prevalent decorative motif in Indian culture, gracing art, textiles, and architecture. It symbolizes luck and prosperity on doorways and wedding invitations.
Extensive research confirms the Swastika’s continuous evolution, permeating religious ceremonies, art, urban planning, and more. Despite varying associations, it stands as a unifying symbol across significant religions in the Indian subcontinent, embodying luck, well-being, and mysticism. The Swastika, with its enduring legacy, remains a sacred emblem woven into the fabric of diverse cultures and civilizations.
In sum, the Swastika, with its ancient and diverse cultural history, stands as a symbol that transcends time and geographic boundaries. Its positive connotations, rooted in ancient civilizations, have unfortunately been overshadowed by its misuse in the 20th century. The article emphasizes the need to acknowledge its multifaceted history and cultural significance while considering its potential to regain positive recognition. The Swastika serves as a bridge between cultures, a testament to the enduring power of symbols in shaping our shared human experience, and an invitation to reassess its meaning beyond the shadows of the past.
Full article: Tripathi, P., & Kanojia, A. (2023). Swastika: Tracing the Global Religio-Cultural Significance Across Millennia. International Journal of Indology, 1(2).