卐 (wàn) - Swastika — an ancient religious and cultural symbol

卐Tone 4

wàn ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 十

万响

卐 · wàn

Swastika — an ancient religious and cultural symbol in various traditions, notably in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, representing auspiciousness, eternity, and good fortune.

In the 20th century, it was adopted and rotated by the Nazi Party, becoming strongly associated with anti-Semitism and fascism.

Swastika — an ancient religious and cultural symbol

Usage highlights

Swastika symbolNazi swastikaBuddhist swastikaAuspicious swastikaRightLeft

Synonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The swastika (卐) is an ancient symbol found in many cultures.
  • In Buddhism, the swastika (卐) symbolizes the Buddha's footprints.
  • The Nazi swastika (卐) is a hate symbol in many Western contexts.

Collocations

  • Swastika symbol(卐字符)
  • Nazi swastika(纳粹卐字)
  • Buddhist swastika(佛教卐字)
  • Auspicious swastika(吉祥卐)
  • Right-facing swastika(右旋卐)
  • Left-facing swastika(左旋卍)

Idioms

  • Swastika cross(卐字架)
  • Swastika pattern(卐字纹)
  • Swastika seal(卐字印)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • An ancient solar symbol dating back thousands of years, found in Indus Valley civilizations, Native American cultures, and across Eurasia.
  • In Buddhism, it represents the Buddha's heart and is often seen on statues, temples, and scriptures as a mark of auspiciousness.
  • Adopted by the Nazi Party in the 1920s (typically rotated 45°); its modern association with anti-Semitism and white supremacy overshadows its traditional meanings in many regions.

FAQ