In one of our articles from previously, we talked about the swastika symbol, its history, uses, design, and symbolism. In this article, we will continue with more details about the swastika and its significance for different cultures. The swastika symbol is something that people are linking with Adolf Hitler. However, this symbol is not only related to Hitler and his actions.
- Use of the swastika symbol among Slavs.
For example, the Slavs used the symbol of the swastika for thousands of years. Our ancestors drew this symbol on weapons, flags, clothes, objects for everyday use, and cult objects. Everyone knows that the Prophet Oleg has sealed his shield on the door to Constantinople, but few know which the sign for the shield was. A description of the symbolism of his shield can be found in the historical chronicles.
The prophets are the so-called people who have a spiritual gift to foresee. They also have transmitted the ancient wisdom that their forefathers and Gods left them, and thus became Prophets. One of the most significant in the history of the people was the Slavic prince – the Prophet Oleg. In addition to being a prince and an exceptional military strategist, he was also a High Commander-Priest.
The symbolism depicted on his clothes, weapons, armor, and the flag of the prince tells us in detail about that. The fiery swastika (which symbolizes the land of the Ancestors) is at the heart of a nine-star star, which is the symbol of faith among the ancestors. The Great Circle (The Circle of the Gods – Protectors) surrounds it. This symbolism speaks of the enormous spiritual and physical force made to protect the Slavs’ native land and Holy Faith.
When Oleg secured his shield with such symbolism on Constantinople’s gate, he wanted to show the hypocrisy of the Byzantines. He wanted to show what the other Slavic prince, Alexander Yaroslavlich (Nevsky), explained in words with the Teutonic Knights.
‘Whoever comes with us by the sword will fall by the sword! Here was standing, stands, and will stand the Russian country!”
During the reign of Emperor Peter I, the walls, not his out-of-city residence, had decorations of swastika motifs. The swastika symbols covered the ceiling of the residence hall in the Hermitage too.
- The use of the swastika in Europe and Asia, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, between the high classes of European countries in Western and Eastern Europe, as well as in Russia, the swastika became the most widespread fashion symbol.
This happened under the influence of the ‘Secret Doctrine’ H.P. Blavatsky and her Theosophical Society. The occult-mystical teachings of Guido von List and similar spirituality subjects had their influence too.
The simple people, both in Europe and in Asia, used the swastika ornaments in their everyday life. Somewhere with the beginning of the 20th century, the powerful and the nobles showed interest in the swastika symbol too. Beginning from 1918, the Bolsheviks introduced new paper money. These new banknotes were with a value of 5,000 and 10,000 rubles, and they had three swastikas presented on them.
On the folk costumes of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, the swastika symbol was the main and practically unique one. It was the oldest protective ornament until the first half of the 20th century.
Our grandfathers loved to spend time together and play swastika during the summer nights. The symbol also existed in the Russian playing culture, and it is the game Kolovrat. On the Perun holiday, the Slavs played, and do that to this day, around two fiery swastikas that burned to the ground.
“Kolovrat” found its application on the temples. It was shining brightly on the sacred objects of the ancient solar cult of our forefathers. Also, it was present on the white cloths of the priests of the Old Faith.
Swastika symbols were even present on the white clothes of the priests of the Christian cult from the 9th to the 16th century. They decorated the characters and idols of the Gods, frescoes, walls, icons, etc.
The Christian worship in the Middle Ages also commented on the swastika. It said it symbolizes the first coming of the Son of God Jesus Christ, for the people’s salvation from sins. Then the first cross symbolizes his earthly life path that has endured the suffering of Golgotha. And finally, the left swastika, called suasti symbolizes the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also symbolizes his coming to the Earth in power and glory.
For all this, we can see that the swastika is an important symbol among different countries and cultures worldwide. It is present on various decorations on clothes, walls, objects, weapons, and flags. For example, in the Indian religion, it finds its uses as the symbol of spirituality and divinity.
We will provide you with more information about the swastika in our next article!
