Los Angeles Times: Swastika Origins Don't Matter Now

July 30th, 2000

Dear Readers: Remember the letter from "R.K. in Bel Air Md.," asking me what he should do with the hand knitted afghan that had a swastika in the middle? I told him I would throw it out. My response created a firestorm of criticism from readers all over. Keep reading:

Scottsdale, Ariz.: After living in the Southwest for years, I learned that the swastika was used by the American Indians, as well as ancient culture before them, as a symbol of life. Americans should teach their children that the swastika is an ancient religious symbol, respected by many early cultures.

Morrisville,Vt.: The swastika was originally a sigh of peace and power. Actually, the word "swastika" comes from Sanskrit word "Svasti," which means well-being. It was originally used in India.

Tempe, Ariz.: My old high school in Hibbing, Minn., has a hallway lined with tiny swastikas. Everyone in our school knew the symbols represented friendship.

Toronto: The swastika has been found on ancient Byzantine buildings, Buddhist inscriptions, Celtic monuments and Greek coins. It can be bent clockwise or counterclockwise. Hitler preferred the clockwise pattern. The counterclockwise form was used among the Indians of North and South American.

Fayetteville, Pa.: The swastika (counterclockwise) is part of the footprint of the Buddha and embodies good fortune and virtue. In the written Chinese language, the swastika is used to represent the number 10,000. Since the afghan was knitted long before Nazi era, I doubt Granny was a closet fascist.

Philadelphia: Don't let those folks throw out the afghan. Send it to me. I have been knitting for years, and will figure a way to transform the swastika into a wonderful design that will look like a beautiful flower.

Choctaw, Okla.: The swastika has a sacred heritage among American Indian tribes going back centuries. It was the symbol for the Thunderbird, also known as the Phoenix.

Ontario, Canada.: The swastika forms a combination of four "Ls", which stand for Luck, Light, Love, and Life.

Chicago: Don't let the couple throw out the afghan with the swastika. Suggest that they send it to the Chicago Historical Society. The folks there will showcase it properly.