Introduction

This blog presentation will discuss the symbolism and ideology of the swastika symbol, with reference to the many different applications and religious interpretations of the symbol itself, before the contemporary anti-Semitic meaning. Focus will be placed on the theories surrounding the swastikas Aryan origins, rather than Indo-European origins. However, alternate theories of origin, migration and symbolism will be explored in order to provide a comprehensive application of its migration across the Silk Road. In order to do this, the ideology behind the symbol must be explored, including theories about its origin and original Aryan meaning. Appearances of the symbol will be outlined through archeological discoveries from Central Asia to Europe, where the symbol was taken by the Nazi Party and turned into an international sign of hatred.

The above picture integrates the swastika and the yin-yang symbol. Influences between the two cultures becomes quite clear.