What is the difference between 卍 and 卐?

卍 is the clockwise swastika common in East Asian Buddhism, while 卐 is the counter-clockwise form. They are often used interchangeably as auspicious symbols.

Is 卍 related to the Nazi symbol?

No, 卍 is an ancient religious symbol predating the Nazi Hakenkreuz by millennia. The Nazi symbol is rotated 45 degrees and has different cultural connotations.

Can 卍 be used in personal names?

Rarely used in modern names due to potential confusion with the Nazi symbol, though historically it appeared in Buddhist contexts and some traditional names.

卍Tone 4

wàn ｜ 4 strokes ｜ radical: 十

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卍 · wàn

Swastika — an ancient religious and spiritual symbol, particularly in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, representing good fortune, well-being, and eternity.

Swastika — an ancient religious and spiritual symbol,

Usage highlights

Swastika symbolSwastika patternSwastika formationSwastika sealSwastika turning

Synonyms

卐— counter-clockwise swastika (alternative form)
万字符— swastika symbol
吉祥海云— auspicious sea cloud (Buddhist term for swastika)

Usage & contexts

Examples

The swastika symbol (卍字) is common in Buddhist temples.
It represents auspiciousness and eternity (吉祥万德).
The swastika is often seen on Buddha's chest (佛胸前的卍字).

Collocations

Swastika symbol(卍字)
Swastika pattern(卍字纹)
Swastika formation(卍字形)
Swastika seal(卍字印)
Swastika turning(卍字旋转)

Idioms

Swastika pattern(卍字纹样)
Swastika symbol of auspiciousness(吉祥卍字)
Eternal swastika(永恒卍字)

Cultural background

FAQ

Ancient symbol used for millennia in Indian religions before adoption in East Asian Buddhism.
In Buddhism, represents the Buddha's heart and the Dharma wheel, symbolizing eternal harmony.
Distinct from the Nazi Hakenkreuz, though visually similar; the Buddhist swastika is usually static.

卍 (wàn) - Swastika — an ancient religious and spiritual symbol,