The document discusses the history and origins of the swastika symbol before its association with Nazi Germany. It explains that the swastika historically represented protective qualities and brought good luck in many cultures around the world, including parts of Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe. However, the symbol became strongly despised after its use in the Third Reich. The document explores websites that provide information on the swastika's original meaning and worldwide presence prior to World War II in an effort to separate the symbol from its Nazi connotations.

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Fig. 1 Fig. 2
The Wilmington Public Library has several historic and symbolic symbols but none
garners the attention and reaction of the swastika. This is a sensitive topic and
in this case, pictures along with words can convey a clearer message. The
following information is from a variety of sources concerning the symbols origins
and history as well as modern attempts to return it to its pre-World War II
meaning. Much of this information is from www.proswastika.org and
www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org.
Fig. 3
Some quotes from page 199 of Body Guards by Desmond Morris.
As a protective symbol, the swastika has been active in many cultures – Asia
(Hindu, Jain, Brahman and Buddhist); the Orient (China and Japan); the
Americans (Mayan and Navajo); Europe (Etruscan, Roman, Germanic, Celtic) …

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In rural Tibet…farmers sometimes place a swastika above the door of their
dwellings to prevent the entry of evil spirits. On the other side of the world,
Navajo medicine men fashion protective swastikas on the ground with coloured
sand as part of their rituals.
One of the world’s greatest protective symbols had become the
most despised (fig. 4). (Morris 1999)
Fig. 4
There are some interesting and diverse websites. The following,
www.proswastika.org, (fig. 5) is a resource that covers the symbol’s origin,
meaning and universality (figs 4-8).

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Web sources
Fig. 5
Fig. 6 Uses in pottery Fig. 7 Swastikas used
around the world
African Swastikas
Fig. 8 Ethiopia Fig. 9 Ghana Fig. 10 Tanzania

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Other websites for pre-Third Reich meanings are http://stewartsynopsis.com and
www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org (fig.11 and fig. 12).
Fig. 11
Fig. 12 Throughout its history, the swastika represented life, sun, power,
strength and good luck. In the early 20th
century, it was still considered a
positive symbol. – www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org
For more information
Wikipedia

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What We Find Changes Who We Become –
Peter Morville
© Jean Wakefield
Wilmington Public Library
November 2013