Swastika quilt donated to Greeley Museums is quirk of history

Denver Post ^ | 06/28/2010 | Monte Whaley

[gr8eman]

No...the swastika was a runic symbol and indian tribes sported it. That why it is on quilts. The nazi’s just adopted it for their “tribe”! Nothing comes from nowhere!

[Habibi]

“”Would this make someone mad? Would this be hurtful? We will have those talks,” she said.”

At first I was gonna’ call this guy some sort of PC wimp. However, since one of the primary jobs of a museum is to educate, they are at least saying the right thing.

If their supporting explanations come across as truly educational, including how pervasive this symbol is historically, some folks might even walk away saying, “That’s really interesting. I had no idea that someone besides Nazi’s used the swastika”.

Given the state of the secondary school system in the US, the museum might well provide that rare “teachable moment”.

If they write their information like a disclaimer, then yes, plenty of folks will reflexively become offended/outraged/troubled/hurt. Lot’s more folks need to “man up”. Just state the facts, and those that have risen above the PC psychosis will have learned something. The rest...may be too far gone to help.

[Tainan]

The swastika symbol, with the openings to the left, is a very common symbol with many Buddhist and Taoist groups and temples.
I see it here quite frequently. I must admit, it still does give me cause for a '2nd look' when it pops up on temples, in signs or what-ever. But its very common.

[tanuki]

LOL!

[Daffynition]

The Swastika symbol spans at least 3,000 years and has been found on Neolithic rock carvings. The word "Neolithic" refers to the last years of the Stone Age, in the Middle East, circa 9500 BCE. An additional early sighting is a swastika that was carved into a runic stone in Sweden.

The swastika quilt above dates from 1860-1880. The owner states that the quilt is hand-quilted at 9 stitches per inch.

[Daffynition]

The Sanskrit word "svastika" (notice the different spelling) means well-being. The origin of the Sanskrit word consists of three parts: "su" which means "good; "asti" which means "to be", and the suffix (gerund), "ka."

This swastika quilt, according to eBay seller "victoria7384," is a Native American quilt that was made in the early 1900s. With 30 blocks, it measures 78" x 64" and features fabrics primarily in red, blue, black, and yellow.

[Daffynition]

And it wasn't always that way. Interesting how strong symbols can be.

Swastika Symbol of Fertility In India, the word symbolized fertility and good fortune and continues in use, today. Originally, the swastika was primarily an ancient solar symbol. According to the book, Signs and Symbols: An Illustrated Guide to Their Meanings and Origins (NY: Barnes and Noble, 1996), the swastika has taken on many other meanings. This symbol is part of the Greek tradition to honor Zeus, Helios, and other deities. For the Celts and Scandanavian people, the swastika represented Thor, the god of air, thunder, and lightening.

Close-up of a book cover published in February 1930 by Pitt L. Fitzgerald, Columbus, Ohio. This is a novel involving Native Americans, and the swastika symbol appears on a number of its pages, sometimes two of them at the top of the page.

[Daffynition]

I've never heard of that hotel. THX.

[Jet Jaguar]

You bet. The building is still there, as far as I know. The facia of the brick pattern is, you guessed it, swastikas.

[Daffynition]

Hopefully, it will educate in the positive way you describe. ;)

[smokingfrog]

I know.

[Gideon7]

The Indian swastika is usually widdershins. The German one rotates the other way.

[Daffynition]

I recall my great-aunt, who was born in old Ukraine, using the swastika in her art of making pysanky.

It was a symbol of happiness, blessings, good fortune and good will. The swastika is often seen with rounded corners or in the form of the windmill or maltese cross. The hooks are sometimes stylized to form leaves.

[Daffynition]

Antique flannel with swastika and Native American images for good luck. photo courtesy of Stephanie Whitson

[Arthur McGowan]

Considering the colors on this quilt, it hardly resembles any sort of German Socialist emblem.

[Daffynition]

Wow!

"Lady Luck" pattern china produced by Sebring Porcelain of Ohio, circa 1920.

[Daffynition]

A common quilt pattern, well before the '30s.

[Clemenza]

[Daffynition]

Nice find! Remember this one?

Google Maps Causes US Navy To Change Its Swastika Building

[phredo53]

The cross symbol is another that was in widespread use before the Christians took it over.