When Symbols Change Meaning: The Swastika

Today, the swastika is primarily seen as the symbol of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany. The connotation is incredibly negative, and rightly so... under the flag of the swastika, a racist belief in the superiority of the Aryan race took hold and resulted in the death of 11 million people. This symbol has power.

Until the Nazis used this symbol, the swastika was actually used by many cultures throughout the past 3,000 years to represent life, sun, power, strength, and good luck. The connotation was so positive, it even made its way onto a hockey jersey. Here's the Edmonton Swastikas hockey team from 1916.

[Photo via Birthplace of Ice Hockey]