Is the swastika making a comeback?!
The hubster and I felt more than a little horrified to notice a number of swastika symbols during our recent trip to Europe.
It’s just not something we’re accustomed to seeing. After all, the swastika is the symbol of the Nazis and all the horrors they wrought during the Second World War!
So we were quite shocked to not only notice people sporting swastika tattoos, but also swastika jewellery, being worn by “normal”, middle aged men and women like ourselves.
While browsing in an upmarket jewellery store in Mallorca, we were flabberghasted to see a range of expensive swastika pendants and bracelets on display. This wasn’t the steel and spike jewellery a punk would wear – these were dainty, feminine and expensive designs! What on earth could it mean?!
Upon our return home, I was sufficiently intrigued to look into it, and here’s what I discovered.
The swastika symbol has a history that dates back thousands of years before Nazi Germany. Traditionally, it was a symbol of good luck in eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, and the design has been around since Neolithic times – appearing during the Bronze and Iron Ages, across Asia, as well as in Celtic, Ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Who knew?!
Can you spot the swastika on the statues above – or on the temple below?
Still, I must confess I won’t be wearing a swastika anytime soon; to me, it has been forever tainted, and now simply represents incredible evil.
Would you wear swastika jewellery?!
Linking up with My Home Truths.
Hugzilla says
This is not a symbol that can ever be rehabilitated in my opinion, despite the Buddhist origins. It will always stand as the ultimate symbol of man’s capacity for inhumanity.
Janet Camilleri says
My thoughts exactly Zilla!
Raych aka Mystery Case says
Agree with everyone on this. It’s not something you will ever see me wearing.
June Lennie says
I was interested to learn about this new trend in Europe. I wonder where it came from? I knew that the symbol had an ancient origin but didn’t know it was associated with Buddhism. That seems very incongruous given its later association with evil purposes. I agree with Hugzilla’s comment about it being the ‘ultimate symbol of man’s capacity for inhumanity’. There’s no way that I’d wear one!
Janet Camilleri says
Me either June – we were quite shocked – and you’d think that Europeans in particular would be quite sensitive about the issues it represents!
Natalie @ our parallel connection says
Oh no I just couldn’t bring myself to buy it
Janet Camilleri says
Just imagine if you wore it for “good luck” only to have somebody punch your lights out for your Nazi extremism!!!! That’s not very good luck is it?!
Kooky Chic says
No I couldn’t wear it either
Janet Camilleri says
I can’t believe that ANYBODY would want to wear it these days … and yet they did!
KezUnprepared says
I think it’s just so sad how the symbol was corrupted. It would be lovely to think that it could be reclaimed, but I do think that’s not going to happen any time soon.
Janet Camilleri says
Maybe in a couple of centuries?!
Ness says
No thanks, not for me either. I don’t really see the appeal.
Janet Camilleri says
I can’t believe people don’t get picked on/heckled for wearing it!
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
No, not for me either. But the history of the swastika as a symbol in itself is fascinating. Sad that the Nazi’s took it on and gave it a sinister meaning that it was never intended to have…
Janet Camilleri says
I know. I wonder if they knew that when they perverted it and just didn’t care? Or who their logo designer was?
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
That’s so interesting I never knew it had a history before the Nazi’s. I still don’t think I’d wear it though, it automatically makes me think of the Nazi’s and evil too. Its a shame something that was initially a peaceful symbol was tainted though.
Janet Camilleri says
I had no idea either before I looked it up after our trip x
Vanessa says
Interesting – I didn’t know it had a history further back. Though most things throughout history get co-opted somewhat, so it’s not too shocking!
Still, the most recent history & mainstream knowledge of it would put me off.
CJ says
I certainly have no problem with others, especially those from the originating culture, wearing it, but I have to admit I get a chill just looking at it and doubt I could ever bring myself to wear it. I understand intellectually that the symbol means something different to them and would never suggest that they SHOULDN’T wear it, but to someone with my background, no. It’d feel icky on my skin.