Caddacack oh da ca-caddacack, shy shy skagellack Member since Jun 2010 4156 Points
The first time I came across the Swastika as a religious symbol was in RI class. We were told it was used in Zoroastrianism. The world's most famous Zoroastrianist? Freddie Mercury, I'd say!
If you're not lost... It's not an adventure! Member since Jun 2014 3745 Points Moderator
It also became a Hindu Symbol I believe, and has probably passed through every religious tradition along the way... and like all symbols (flags, emblems, words) it acquires and loses meanings and senses depending on those we imbue them with through our collective use of those words and our actions performed in their name.
Basically what people understand this to mean is the difference between a bunch of loonies running around trying to compel people to change in accordance with how they would have the world and it's people be, and in so doing, create, and encounter resistance which means you will fail... or people individually changing themselves and their views of their own volition and instigation, and in so doing contribute to the collective condition of the human race for the better.
Phew! that was heavy.
(I'm glad we don't have any of those nutters who wilfully mis-interpret the deeper positive meanings of symbols and texts nowadays! )
A girl who looks good in vinyl Member since Dec 2012 1544 Points Moderator
Here in Canada in Ontario we have a named Swastika -- pronounced -- swas-tee-ka (as opposed to swas-tih-ka). During the Second World War the Province asked Swastika to change its name to Winston, in honour of Churchill. The town refused. Someone even put up a sign stating “To hell with Hitler. We had Swastika first.”
Rock, Country or R. & B. - Classic Hits for me! Member since Dec 2014 252 Points
Magic Marmalade, your remark in brackets: "I'm glad we don't have any of those nutters who wilfully mis-interpret the deeper positive meanings of symbols and texts nowadays!"
I know this is a scary thought but they're still here, lurking in the shadows!