The Swastika

[WhoMe]

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The Swastika was used by Hitler as a symbol for his Nazi party.

The origins of the Swastika predate Hitler and Christ. It seems the Swastika symbol was used in India, Norway, China and by American Indians.

I have seen the swastika of both on museum pieces and modern straight dance outfits.

Does anybody have anymore information about the American Indian symbolism and some information?

Is there an Indian name for the Swastika?

[WhoMe]

Need Swastika Information

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Does anybody have any information on the use of the Swastika symbol in Plains Indian culture?

I have seen the symbol on tipis, moccasins, vests, purses, breech clouts, buckskin dresses, purses, mirror boards, pipe bags, NAC boxes and leggings.

Is there a tribal name for the Swastika symbol?

[Mato Winyan]

Actually if you look at he German design and the native you will notice a difference.

I was always taught it was symbol for the four winds from the four directions. The whirlwind.

[The Edge Water Kid]

You find it in Navajo "art".......or in ceremony. I believe it's a symbol closely associated with Winds or things related to the wind. ...or just movement in general. Not so much Whirlwinds.....just winds in general.

It's got a name in Navajo, I'm sure.....I just can't think of it right now.


It's found in Rock art in the Americas and in "The Old World".

...just like Whome said.

[paraivo]

I think I heard of it referred to as a "Whirling Logs" design a long time ago.

[TacO5000]

I know this old osage dude with it on his coat... old school NDN! Word

[travelingmocs]

Funny that this was brought up, it was just talked about in another web group I am a part off. There were some picures I will look and see if I can find some of them and post them here. But the sigh is a good thing, it was used for good luck and stuff like that. The swastica was around long before Hitler, he gave it a bad name. Indians both Native and Eastern(India) have used the sawastika for centuries.

[Southernstr8]

Let see if I remember correctly...its suppose to symbolize the 4 directions. I've seen it a lot to on different regalia, but never thought about asking anymore about it. Last thing I remember being told was it symbolized the 4 directions. As far as the proper name I have no idea, all I have ever heard it refered to is swastika. Then again the name we all know could be a different pronunciation of the original word for it. That seems logical to me as Hitler stole a lot of his regeme's idea's from Native American history. I remember reading somewhere that the idea for the concentration camps were created after the inspiration that the rezervations. Anyhow....now I'm rambling...so I'll shut up...:D

[Cheobon]

when Hitler used the swastika it was the opposite of the original swastika used by many countries. Also used by the American Indian.

[BeadMan]

The original insignia for the Army 45th Infantry Division of Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona was the Swastica. The emblem changed in the 1930's due to its adoption by Hitler. After several months the new official emblem became the thunderbird (keeping with the American Indian symbols).

The attached photo show the pre-1930's emblem and the thunderbird emblem (still used today)

[Southernstr8]

Hey Beadman,

Thanks for that, something I never knew before.

Thats what I love about these types of forums, you can learn something new...

Thanks again!!!:D

[WisconsinBlackBear]

In the Native American symbol, the perpedicular lines at the ends of the cross go to the left. In Hitler's symbol, they go to the right.

[Tom Iron Eagle]

Both Ways

The symbol is very ancient and has been used and found all over the world - including every continent.

And its "flags" have been found to be both to the left and to the right in ancient art as well as recent times.

One might be surpised to see in it Modern Art as well.

[Chahta Diamond]

29 plams band of mision indians use it on their flag.

[wa-zha-zhe]

AMONGST THE OSAGE TRIBE, THIS SYMBOL IS AN OLD TIME GOOD LUCK SIGN. I'VE SEEN IT IN PICTURES WORN BY THE OLD TIMERS. THERE IS AN OLD OSAGE HOME ON THE WAY IN TO HOMINY OKLAHOMA (OSAGE RESERVATION) THAT HAS IT ON THE GATES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DRIVE-WAY.