The history of humans can be dated back to thousands of years ago, or even more. The human race has tremendously evolved and developed itself as the most influential species on Earth. Human history has always kept us intrigued and the way Homo sapiens have developed is indeed a thing to be wondered about. Ever since ancient times, the human mind has been very much fascinated with signs and symbols. And be it any civilization, signs, and symbols have always been an integral part. But, with the passage of time, most of these symbols have lost their original meanings and significance. Once regarded as a symbol of luck later turned into a harbinger of dreadful misfortune. Here is a list of some of the widely popular symbols that are often misunderstood.
Swastika
The earliest mention of the symbol ‘Swastika’ can be dated back to 8000 BC. The swastika is actually an ancient religious symbol that has been used in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The word ‘Swastika’ comes from Sanskrit which signifies ‘auspicious or conducive to well-being’. In some of the major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the clockwise swastika is considered an auspicious and sacred symbol. Indian and Asian beliefs also attribute the symbol to the sun. The importance of the symbol is not restricted to these religions only, but in the western world also it was regarded as the insignia of good luck and auspiciousness. In the early 20th Century, the swastika became popular as the symbol of prosperity, happiness, and creation.
Ever since Nazi Germany took Swastika as a rune of German nationalist pride, the symbol has been outlawed by many countries. Because of its association with Nazism, the symbol was regarded as an emblem of terror and anti-Semitism, especially to the Jews and the adversaries of Nazi Germany. The Swastika is also seen as the symbol of intimidation and racial supremacy in many western countries.
Taijitu
You might have definitely seen Taijitu somewhere. It might be in an anime or manga, maybe. Or, you would have seen it on the banner of some downtown Chinese restaurant. But, you would have seen it for sure! Ever wondered what is the significance of this symbol? Or, did you ever try to find out why it is so popular in East Asian culture? Well, most people think that Taijitu is nothing but a popular symbol in East Asia that represents Yin Yang. The first and the major mistake is calling Taijitu ‘Yin Yang’. Well, Yin Yang is a concept and Taijitu is its symbolic representation. But, Taijitu has a very profound substance to it, which needs to be understood with great enthusiasm.
Actually, Yin Yang, or Yin and Yang, or Yin-Yang means ‘dark-bright’. The symbol might have originated in the 1st to 3rd Century AD in Buddhism. The concept of Yin Yang is the most documented and most known symbol in Taoism. Yin and Yang can be best described as the two halves that together complete wholeness. Yin Yang explains the tangible dualities of life, such as fire and water, expanding and contracting, or light and dark. Yin denotes the ‘shady side’ and Yang depicts the ‘sunny side’. Yin and Yang are everywhere in our daily life. For instance, the female is Yin and male is Yang; Night is Yin, and Day is Yang.
Pentagram
Do you also think Pentagram is the symbol of Satan? Do you get scared when you see some group or a person channeling the symbol of Pentagram? If the answer to all these questions is a yes, then you have been living with a misconception. Pentagram is not what you think. The history and actual meaning of this symbol will astonish you.
The Pentagram is actually a symbol of the star encased in a circle. The star always has 5 points which in turn has a meaning of its own. The number 5 has always been considered to be magical and mystical, yet mainly ‘human’. In the symbol of a pentagram, the upper point of the star represents the spirit, while the other 4 points represent every element, i.e. fire, air, water, and earth. All these elements form a quintessential part of every being and contribute to life. Not to mention, the geometric proportions of the Pentagram are those of the Golden Section. In fact, Pentagram was regarded as a protective sign for fighting against the evil forces. For Babylonian traders, Pentagram was a sign that saved them from theft as they drew it on their doors. In the early years of Christianity, an overturned Pentagram was considered to be the symbol of Jesus.
But with the passage of time, the picture changed. The symbol came to be known as the symbol of Satan, thanks to Éliphas Lévi. Now, you know the truth.
The Crescent Symbol
The crescent symbol or the half-moon is mainly associated with Islam. But you will be quite astonished to know about the antiquity of the symbol. The inception of the crescent can be dated back to 3500 BC. The crescent shape is actually used to represent the moon.
Cylindrical seals were obtained from the Akkadian empire as early as 2300 BC. Over history, the symbol has been used in ancient Egypt, India, India, the Sumerian kingdom, and Byzantium. The symbol has different meanings in different regions and cultures. For instance, In India, the Crescent is related to controlling the mental powers, while in the rest of Asia it signifies cosmic powers. In Christianity, the symbol is known for worshipping the Virgin Mary.
While the symbol has deep meanings in different cultures and civilizations, people usually relate the crescent with Islam. The credit goes to the Ottoman-era mosques, which widely used the symbol. It was then that the symbol became associated with Islam.