Swastika

In the Western world, the swastika is now most widely recognized as a potent hate symbol. This association stems from its appropriation by the German Nazi Party in the 20th century, a connection that has been perpetuated by neo-Nazi groups. This modern usage has largely overshadowed its original, peaceful meanings in many parts of the world.

The symbol has been in the news recently due to policy changes regarding its official classification. In late 2025, reports indicated that a U.S. military branch decided to reclassify the swastika, moving it from a category of "hate symbols" to one of "potentially divisive" imagery. This shift in policy has brought the symbol back into public discourse.

Incidents involving the swastika also continue to make headlines, often in the context of its discovery in public spaces, such as schools. These events highlight the ongoing tension between the symbol's deeply negative connotations in the West and its need to be understood within its original, broader cultural and historical context.