Swastika facts for kids

The Swastika is a cross with its arms bent at right angles, in either left-facing or right-facing forms. It is a widely-used religious symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In the 1920s, the Hakenkreuz became the symbol for the Nazi party in the Western world. It was used as the symbol of the Finnish Air Force until 1945. It bears a strong resemblance to Swastika and people often refer to Hakenkreuz as Swastika.

Religious use

An ancient painting of a Swastika

The Swastika is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It is also a sign of spiritual purity. The swastika was a letter in the ancient Sanskrit language. It meant luck or well being. It is also found on Byzantine buildings, Ancient Greek coinage and in Native American burial sites. During the 20th century Adolf Hitler adopted the symbol for the Nazi Party. From 1935 – 1945 it was used on the German flag. The symbol became stigmatized because of its association with Nazi war crimes.

In Nazi Germany

Hakenkreuz, a derivative of Swastika, was a symbol used by the Nazi Party in Germany, and later by the Third Reich. Adolf Hitler chose it as the symbol of the German Workers Party after he joined. Before Hitler, members had already worn Hakenkreuz armbands. Hitler was responsible for its red, white and black coloring.

Gallery

Images for kids

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  The swastika is a symbol with many styles and meanings and can be found in many cultures.

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  19th-century Russian embroidery, Tarnogsky District

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  A postcard from 1907 showing the Navajo Good Luck symbol.

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  Carlsberg's Elephant Tower.

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  ASEA logo before 1933.

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  Wrought iron gate of the Oslo Municipal Power Station, 1931

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  Ancient Roman mosaics of La Olmeda, Spain

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  Ashanti weight in Africa

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  Chilocco Indian Agricultural School basketball team in 1909.

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  Pillow cover offered by the Girls' Club in The Ladies Home Journal in 1912

See also

In Spanish: Esvástica para niños