The Riddle of the Swastika: A Study in Symbolism (Paperback or Softback)

It seems that, after the Nazis misappropriated the swastika and put it to their evil use, they contaminated this symbol forever. For more than half a century they have had this symbol hostage. Most people all around the world still believe that the swastika only symbolizes Nazism.

But, as we have seen, the swastika had a long life before Hitler and the Nazis. It has been for centuries a symbol of laughter, joy and good luck. It is one of the oldest symbols of mankind. Its Nazi connections are only a speck in its very long existence. It is a symbol that deserves a better treatment from history.

Leaving the swastika in the hands of the Nazis is the worst disservice we can do to the Indians of North, Central and South America. Moreover, it is offensive to the people of Tibet, Nepal, China, India and Japan. It is disrespectful to the Basque, the French, the Irish, the Ashanti, the Ethiopians, the Iranians, the Jordanians, the Sicilians, the Estonians, the Latvians, the Finnish and many other peoples around the world.

Industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss once wrote:

"The fact that an ignominious fanatic placed a swastika on his battle flag is insufficient reason for ignoring this symbol's historic significance."

The time is ripe to rescue this beautiful and enigmatic symbol from under Nazi control and bring it to the place it deserves among other similar symbols in the long history of mankind.

Please, join me in this search and rescue mission of the swastika.