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The power of symbols....

2009.07.23
Hindu incense burner - April 2009

Islamic decoration - 16th century

Roman mosaic - 2nd century AD

The Swastika has become demonised in the West since its adoption, by the German Nazi party in the 1920s. I believe the post-war German law codes still prohibit the display of a swastika in any form or fashion, even if used satirically or as part of an anti-Nazi political statement.

Yet for millennia the symbol has been one of good luck across many cultures - even the word Swastika has its root in the Sanskrit for a good luck charm.

It's very easy to become pigeon-holed in one's own culture and unable to see other perspectives... something tells me that's a generic lesson we might learn to help resolve a lot of problems these days :-)
12 Comments
dontblink Very interesting!
dontblink · 2009-07-23: 10:58
redro Well said, I agree.
Nice set of "samples in time", I like the first one a lot
redro · 2009-07-23: 11:58
Rogermay wow thanks for the very informative post! lovely shots! you are so right "It's very easy to become pigeon-holed in one's own culture and unable to see other perspectives."
Rogermay · 2009-07-23: 12:05
JaCkYe Beautiful:)
JaCkYe · 2009-07-23: 13:14
slowpete excellent photos and a great share
thanks
slowpete · 2009-07-24: 00:16
jet28 Food for thought ... love your examples :-)
jet28 · 2009-07-24: 02:22
tedbarlow Exactly...
just as colours have particular meanings in different cultures...
numbers are associated with good or bad fortune...
names associated with meanings...
depending on the time (era), culture, politics, history, location...
even language itself barely stands up to the barrage of social pressure and upheaval weighted upon it...
fortunately the guardians of word and wisdom will carry true meaning forward beyond the past and even present realities of misinterpretation...
tedbarlow · 2009-07-24: 20:09
girafferacing Fascinating set David - I've learnt something new today! Thanks for sharing these wonderul photos.
girafferacing · 2009-07-25: 03:36
Widcat Very interesting blog David. Your pictures are also wonderful.
Widcat · 2009-07-25: 11:49
miltonjacob interesting symbols. u said right... its coming to europe, i 'feel' the 'other' side of swastika symbol, which i never felt in india
miltonjacob · 2009-07-26: 05:42
longimanus thank you for this. “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” wonderfully photographed.
longimanus · 2009-07-27: 18:34
Almond Very interesting post.
I like #2 textures and lights.
Almond · 2009-07-30: 14:25
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