Urban legend Soviet pioneers stated that the swastika is four letters G gathered in a circle: Hitler, Goebbels, Goering, Himmler. The children didn’t think about what German G’s actually are different letters- H and G. Although the number of leading Nazis in G really went off scale - you can also remember Grohe, and Hess, and many others. But it's better not to remember.
The German Nazis used this sign even before Hitler came to power. And why they showed such interest in the swastika is not at all surprising: for them it was mystical power the object comes from India, from the original Aryan territories. Well, it also looked beautiful, and the leaders of the national socialist movement always attached great importance to issues of aesthetics.
If we consider the swastika not as part of patterns and designs, but as an independent object, then its first appearance dates back to approximately the 6th-5th centuries BC. It can be seen on objects found in excavations in the Middle East. Why is it customary to call India the birthplace of the swastika? Because the word “swastika” itself is taken from Sanskrit (a literary ancient Indian language), means “well-being”, and purely graphically (according to the most common theory) symbolizes the Sun. Four-pointedness is far from necessary for it; there is also a great variety of angles of rotation, inclination of rays and additional patterns. In classical Hindu form, she is usually depicted as in the picture below.
Due to the high popularity of the Sun among people of all races, it is logical that the swastika is an element of symbolism, writing and graphics among hundreds and hundreds of ancient peoples scattered throughout the planet. Even in Christianity it has found its place, and there is an opinion that the Christian cross is its direct descendant. Family traits are really easy to discern. In our dear Orthodoxy, swastika-like elements were called “gammatic cross” and were often used in the design of temples. True, now it is not so easy to detect their traces in Russia, since after the start of the Great Patriotic War even harmless Orthodox swastikas were eliminated.
The swastika is such a widespread object of world culture and religion that what is rather surprising is the rarity of its appearance in modern world. Logically, she should follow us everywhere. The answer is really simple: after the collapse of the Third Reich, it began to evoke such unpleasant associations that they got rid of it with unprecedented zeal. This is amusingly reminiscent of the story of the name Adolf, which was extremely popular in Germany at all times, but almost disappeared from use after 1945.
Craftsmen have gotten used to finding swastikas in the most unexpected places. With the advent of space images of the Earth in the public domain, the search for natural and architectural incidents has turned into a kind of sport. The most popular site for conspiracy theorists and swastikophiles is the naval base building in San Diego, California, designed in 1967.
Some of the most controversial symbols in history are the swastikas of the Slavs. Thanks to the events of World War II, they are now associated with violence. Contrary to this, the swastika has a very ancient origin, most interesting story and multiple meanings.
Origin
Now it is very difficult to name the time when such a mysterious symbol was born, but there is a lot of evidence that it was used long before its appearance. European countries. Relics of the Ancient East and Egypt are decorated with similar signs in various variations and carry an exclusively positive meaning. The Slavic Vedas also say that this symbol is hundreds and even a thousand years old. On the statue of the Egyptian mother goddess Isis, holding her child, the god Horus, in her arms, there is an image of a swastika; many other statues related not only to Egyptian culture are marked with this sign. Why is it believed that these are the swastikas of the Slavs, since they were also used by other peoples? Many have seen more than once how Russian, Ukrainian and They look decorated with rich embroidery, but rarely will anyone look at the intricate patterns, and they consist mainly of intertwined swastikas. It is very unfair that now this sign is associated with Nazism and, moreover, is prohibited by law. Before condemning, it is necessary to understand what it really means.
Meaning
The swastika is a collective meaning for all solar symbols directly related to the Sun, its energy and the influence of this energy on people. The root of the word (“sva”) precisely indicates this connection. In the mythology of the Slavs there is such a thing as the divine heavenly world, the domain of the god Svarog, one of the most powerful in the pantheon. The infamous symbol is actually called Kolovrat. It was one of the most common in Rus'. It was they who decorated the entrance to the house, using it as a talisman against evil forces. The reverse of it, as can be seen from the direction of rotation, is called England. It denotes divine purity and the beginning of life of all things. As you can see, the swastikas of the Slavs do not convey anything negative. There are more than a hundred various options solar symbols, and almost all of them were used both as amulets and as amulets attracting good luck, prosperity and
world. Many have not four, but five or more rays (straight or branched). For example, another recognizable symbol - Gromovik and Thunderstorm - have six rays and they were used by our ancestors to control nature, namely the weather. The swastika of the Slavs helped in many matters.
As mentioned above, very often the sleeves and collars of shirts were decorated with swastika embroidery, but this pattern was applied not only for the sake of beauty. It had the meaning of a talisman, because they believed that it was through the holes in clothes that an evil spirit could penetrate, so a talisman was applied to them to protect the owner. Embroideries could also serve as an amulet; in addition, the latter were made of steel, gold, silver, and copper. They were made in the form of pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets. Slavic swastikas were painted on the walls and doors of houses, and craftswomen also wove carpets, blankets and belts, decorating them with the same symbols. Sometimes the color could determine what exactly a person asks and from which god.
Slavic swastika, its meaning for us should be the subject special attention. Confused fascist swastika and Slavic is possible only with complete ignorance of history and culture. A thoughtful and attentive person knows that the swastika was not originally a “brand” of Germany during the times of fascism. Today, not all people remember the true history of the origin of this sign. And all this thanks to the world tragedy of the Great Patriotic War, thundering across the Earth under the standard of the subordinate swastika (enclosed in an unbroken circle). We need to figure out what this swastika symbol was in Slavic culture, why it is still revered, and how we can put it into practice today. We remember that Nazi swastika prohibited in Russia.
Archaeological excavations on the territory modern Russia and in its neighboring countries they confirm that the swastika is a much older symbol than the emergence of fascism. Thus, there are finds with images of the solar symbol dating back to 10,000-15,000 years before our era. Slavic culture is replete with numerous facts, confirmed by archaeologists, that the swastika was used by our people everywhere.
vessel found in the Caucasus
The Slavs still preserved the memory of this sign, because embroidery patterns are still passed on, as well as ready-made towels, or homespun belts and other products. The photo shows belts of the Slavs from different regions and dates. 
By looking up old photographs and drawings, you can verify that the Russians also widely used the swastika symbol. For example, the image of swastikas in laurel wreath on money, weapons, banners, sleeve chevrons of Red Army soldiers (1917-1923). The honor of the uniform and the solar symbol at the center of the symbolism were one.
But even today you can find both direct and stylized swastikas in the architecture preserved in Russia. For example, let's take only one city, St. Petersburg. Take a closer look at the mosaic on the floor of St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, or the Hermitage, at the forged vignettes, and the sculpting on buildings along many of the streets and embankments of this city.
Floor in St. Isaac's Cathedral.
Floor in the Small Hermitage, room 241, “History of ancient painting”.
Fragment of the ceiling in the Small Hermitage, room 214, " Italian art end of the 15th - 16th centuries."
House in St. Petersburg on Promenade des Anglais, no. 24 (the building was built in 1866).
Slavic swastika - meaning and significance
The Slavic swastika is an equilateral cross, the ends of which are equally bent in one direction (sometimes along the movement of the clock hands, sometimes against). When bending, the ends on the four sides of the figure form a right angle (straight swastika), and sometimes sharp or obtuse (oblique swastika). A symbol was depicted with pointed and rounded ends.
Such symbols may mistakenly include a double, triple (“triskelion” with three rays, the symbol of Zervan - the god of space and time, fate and time among the Iranians), eight-rayed (“kolovrat” or “rotary”) figure. It is incorrect to call these variations swastikas. Our Slavic ancestors perceived each symbol, even if it was somewhat similar to another, as a force that had its own separate purpose and function in Nature.
Our dear ancestors gave the meaning to the swastika as follows - the movement of forces and bodies in a spiral. If this is the sun, then the sign showed vortex currents in the celestial body. If this is the Galaxy, the Universe, then the movement was understood celestial bodies in a spiral within the system around a certain center. The center is, as a rule, “self-luminous” light (white light that has no source).
Slavic swastika in other traditions and peoples
In ancient times, our ancestors of Slavic families, along with other peoples, revered swastika symbols not only as amulets, but also as signs of sacred meaning. They helped people get in touch with the gods. Thus, in Georgia they still believe that the rounded corners in the swastika mean nothing more than the infinity of movement in the entire Universe.
The Indian swastika is now inscribed not only on the temples of various Aryan gods, but is also used as a protective symbol in the home. This sign is drawn before entering a home, painted on dishes, and used in embroidery. Modern Indian fabrics are still produced with designs of rounded swastika symbols, similar to a blooming flower.
Near India, in Tibet, Buddhists are no less respectful of the swastika, drawing it on statues of Buddha. In this tradition, the swastika means that the cycle in the Universe is endless. In many ways, even the whole law of the Buddha is based on this, as recorded in the dictionary “Buddhism”, Moscow, ed. "Republic", 1992 Back in the days of Tsarist Russia, the emperor met with Buddhist lamas, finding much in common in the wisdom and philosophy of the two cultures. Today, lamas use the swastika as a sign of protection against evil spirits and demons.
The Slavic swastika and the fascist one differ in that the first is not included in a square, circle or any other outline, while on the Nazi flags we observe that the figure is most often located in the center of a white circle-disk located on a red field. The Slavs never had the desire or purpose to place the sign of any God, Lord or power in a confined space.
We are talking about the so-called “subordination” of the swastika so that it “works” for those who use it arbitrarily. There is an opinion that after A. Hitler drew attention to this symbol, a special witchcraft ritual was performed. The motive of the ritual was the following - to begin to control with the help heavenly powers the whole world, subjugating all nations. The sources are silent as to how true this is, but many generations of people were able to see what could be done with the symbol and how to denigrate it and use it to their advantage.
Swastika in Slavic culture - where it is used
Swastika Slavic peoples found in different signs, which have their own names. In total, there are 144 species of such names today. The following variations are popular among them: Kolovrat, Charovrat, Posolon, Inglia, Agni, Svaor, Ognevik, Suasti, Yarovrat, Svarga, Rasich, Svyatoch and others.
IN Christian tradition swastikas are still used to depict Orthodox icons various saints. An attentive person will see such signs on mosaics, paintings, icons, or a priest’s robe. 
Small swastikas and double swastikas depicted on the robe of Christ Pantocrator Pantocrator - a Christian fresco of the St. Sophia Cathedral of the Novgorod Kremlin.
Today, swastika symbols are used by those Slavs who continue to honor the horses of their ancestors and remember their Native Gods. So, to celebrate the day of Perun the Thunderer, there are round dances around swastika signs laid out (or inscribed) on the ground - “Fash” or “Agni”. There are also many famous dance"Kolovrat" The magical meaning of the sign was passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, understanding Slavs today can freely wear amulets with swastika signs and use them as talismans.
The swastika in Slavic culture was perceived differently in different places in Russia. For example, on the Pechora River, residents called this sign “hare”, perceiving it as sunny bunny, beam sunlight. But in Ryazan - “feather grass”, seeing in the sign the embodiment of the element of wind. But the people also felt the fiery power in the sign. Thus, the names “solar wind”, “Ognivtsy”, “Ryzhik” (Nizhny Novgorod region) are found.
The concept of “swastika” was transformed into a semantic meaning - “that which came from Heaven.” Here are contained: “Sva” - Heaven, Svarga Heavenly, Svarog, rune “s” - direction, “tika” - running, movement, the arrival of something. Understanding the origin of the word "Suasti" ("Svasti") helps determine the strength of the sign. “Su” - good or beautiful, “asti” - to be, to remain. In general, we can summarize the meaning of the swastika - “Be kind!”.
What is a swastika? Many will answer without hesitation - the fascists used the swastika symbol. Someone will say - this is an ancient Slavic amulet, and both will be right and wrong at the same time. How many legends and myths are there around this sign? They say that on the very shield that Prophetic Oleg A swastika was nailed to the doors of Constantinople.
What is a swastika?
The swastika is ancient symbol, which appeared before our era and has a rich history. Many nations dispute each other's right to its invention. Images of swastikas were found in China and India. This is very significant symbol. What does the swastika mean - creation, sun, prosperity. The translation of the word “swastika” from Sanskrit means a wish for good and good luck.
Swastika - origin of the symbol
The swastika symbol is a solar sign. The main meaning is movement. The earth moves around the sun, the four seasons constantly replace each other - it is easy to see that the main meaning of the symbol is not just movement, but the eternal movement of the universe. Some researchers declare the swastika to be a reflection of the eternal rotation of the galaxy. The swastika is a symbol of the sun, all ancient peoples have references to it: at excavations of Inca settlements, fabrics with the image of a swastika were found, it is on ancient Greek coins, even on the stone idols of Easter Island there are swastika signs.
The original drawing of the sun is a circle. Then, noticing the four-part picture of existence, people began to draw a cross with four rays to the circle. However, the picture turned out to be static - and the universe is eternally in dynamics, and then the ends of the rays bent - the cross turned out to be moving. These rays also symbolize four days of the year that were significant for our ancestors - the days of the summer/winter solstice, the spring and autumn equinox. These days determine the astronomical change of seasons and served as signs when to engage in farming, construction and other important matters for society.
Swastika left and right
We see how comprehensive this sign is. It is very difficult to explain in monosyllables what a swastika means. It is multifaceted and multi-valued, it is a sign of the fundamental principle of existence with all its manifestations, and among other things, the swastika is dynamic. It can rotate both right and left. Many people confuse and consider the direction where the ends of the rays point to be the side of rotation. This is wrong. The side of rotation is determined by the bending angles. Let's compare it with a person's leg - the movement is directed where the bent knee is directed, and not the heel at all.
Left-handed swastika
There is a theory that says clockwise rotation is correct swastika, and against - bad, dark, swastika in reverse. However, this would be too banal - right and left, black and white. In nature, everything is justified - day gives way to night, summer - winter, there is no division into good and bad - everything that exists is needed for something. So it is with the swastika - there is no good or bad, there is left-handed and right-handed.
Left-handed swastika - rotates counterclockwise. This is the meaning of cleansing, restoration. Sometimes it is called the sign of destruction - in order to build something light, you need to destroy the old and dark. The swastika could be worn in left rotation; it was called the “Heavenly Cross” and was a symbol of clan unity, an offering to the one who wears it, the help of all the ancestors of the clan and the protection of heavenly forces. The left-sided swastika was considered a collective sign of the autumn sun.
Right-hand swastika
The right-hand swastika rotates clockwise and denotes the beginning of all things - birth, development. This is a symbol of the spring sun - creative energy. It was also called Novorodnik or the Solar Cross. It symbolized the power of the sun and the prosperity of the family. The sun sign and the swastika in this case are equal. It was believed that it gave the greatest power to priests. The prophetic Oleg, who was spoken of at the beginning, had the right to wear this sign on his shield, since he was in charge, that is, he knew the Ancient Wisdom. From these beliefs came theories proving the ancient Slavic origin of the swastika.
Slavic swastika
The left-sided and right-sided swastika of the Slavs is called – and Posolon. The swastika fills the Kolovrat with light, protects from darkness, Salting gives hard work and spiritual perseverance, the sign serves as a reminder that man was created for development. These names are just two of the large group Slavic swastika signs. What they had in common were crosses with curved arms. There could be six or eight rays, they were bent both to the right and to the left, each sign had its own name and was responsible for a specific security function. The Slavs had 144 main swastika symbols. In addition to the above, the Slavs had:
- Solstice;
- England;
- Svarozhich;
- Wedding Party;
- Perunov light;
- Heavenly boar and many other types of variations based on the solar elements of the swastika.
Swastika of the Slavs and the Nazis - differences
Unlike the fascist one, the Slavs did not have strict canons in the depiction of this sign. There could be any number of rays, they could be broken under different angles, could have been rounded. The symbol of the swastika among the Slavs is a greeting, a wish for good luck, while at the Nazi congress in 1923, Hitler convinced supporters that the swastika meant the fight against Jews and communists for purity of blood and superiority Aryan race. The fascist swastika has its own strict requirements. This and only this image is the German swastika:
- The ends of the cross should be bent to the right;
- All lines intersect strictly at an angle of 90°;
- The cross must be in a white circle on a red background.
- The correct word to say is not “swastika”, but Hakkenkreyz
Swastika in Christianity
In early Christianity, they often resorted to the image of the swastika. It was called the “gamma cross” because of its similarity with the Greek letter gamma. The swastika was used to disguise the cross during the times of persecution of Christians - Catacomb Christianity. The swastika or Gammadion was the main emblem of Christ until the end of the Middle Ages. Some experts draw a direct parallel between the Christian and swastika crosses, calling the latter a “whirling cross.”
The swastika was actively used in Orthodoxy before the revolution: as part of the ornament of priestly vestments, in icon painting, in frescoes that painted the walls of churches. However, there is also the exact opposite opinion - the gammadion is a broken cross, a pagan symbol that has nothing to do with Orthodoxy.
Swastika in Buddhism
You can encounter a swastika wherever there are traces of Buddhist culture; it is the footprint of Buddha. The Buddhist swastika, or “manji,” denotes the versatility of the world order. The vertical line is opposed to the horizontal one, like the relationship between heaven and earth and the relationship between male and female. Turning the rays in one direction emphasizes the desire for kindness, gentleness, and in the opposite direction - for hardness and strength. This gives an understanding of the impossibility of the existence of force without compassion, and compassion without force, the denial of any one-sidedness as a violation of world harmony.
Indian swastika
The swastika is no less common in India. There are left- and right-handed swastikas. Rotation clockwise symbolizes the male energy “yin”, counter-clockwise - the female energy “yang”. Sometimes this sign denotes all the gods and goddesses in Hinduism, then, at the line of intersection of the rays, the sign “om” is added - a symbol of the fact that all gods have a common beginning.
- Right rotation: denotes the sun, its movement from east to west - the development of the universe.
- Left rotation represents the goddess Kali, magic, night - the folding of the universe.
Is the swastika prohibited?
The swastika was banned by the Nuremberg Tribunal. Ignorance has given rise to a lot of myths, for example, that the swastika stands for four connected letters “G” - Hitler, Himmler, Goering, Goebbels. However, this version turned out to be completely untenable. Hitler, Himmler, Göring, Goebbels - not a single surname begins with this letter. There are known cases when the most valuable specimens containing images of swastikas in embroidery, on jewelry, ancient Slavic and early Christian amulets were confiscated and destroyed from museums.
In many European countries there are laws that prohibit fascist symbols, however, the principle of freedom of speech is practically undeniable. Each case of the use of Nazi symbols or swastikas looks like a separate trial.
- In 2015, Roskomnazor allowed the use of swastika images without propaganda purposes.
- Germany has strict legislation regulating the depiction of swastikas. There are several court decisions banning or allowing images.
- France has passed a law banning the public display of Nazi symbols.