The Cross, Pentagram and Swastika: Changed Meanings in Religious Symbols

Throughout the ages, various religions have been created and forgotten. A symbol of some sort was almost always created to express that religion. However, the passage of time has skewed the meaning of some of these symbols.

The Pentagram -

The first thing that probably comes to your mind when you think about the pentagram is a Satanic cult. However, only in the last hundred years or so have the Satanic cults used the pentagram. And the pentagram has to be inverted in order to symbolize Satan. Another religious organization that you may think of is the Wiccan religion. The Wiccan religion isn't very old either, but it is meant to symbolize ancient paganism. Unlike Satanic cults, the pentagram is not inverted in the Wiccan faith.

In the past, the pentagram has belonged to many other religions. Some of these include Judaism, Paganism, and even early Christianity. Note earlier how I stated that the cross has to be inverted to symbolize Satan? Well it was also supposedly used by early Christians in the same way. I guess that's what you call ironic.

The Swastika -

Hitler is the first thing to come to mind when you see a picture of a swastika. But guess what? The swastika is actually thousands of years old, and it is considered a holy symbol by many different religions. It is also the oldest known holy symbol. You'll find the swastika in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, certain Native American faiths, and many others.

So if you ever visit a country like Thailand and see the swastika on a Buddhist temple, try not to be offended. Apparently, Hitler decided to steal this symbol, and use it for his nefarious purposes. While Hitler used the swastika to promote hate and genocide, the true meaning of the swastika is life and good luck. Understandably, very few people who know about Hitler will ever think of the swastika as a symbol of life and good luck. And who can blame them.

The Cross -