Oregon Dept of Education recognises distinction between ‘Swastika’ And ‘Nazi Hakenkreuz’
The swastika has thousands of years of historical significance in several Asian religions, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
The Oregon Dept of Education has formally recognized the distinction between the Nazi Hakenkreuz and the auspicious symbol “Swastika” in a “monumental decision,” which is a significant victory for Hindus in the United States.
This decision “marks a significant step forward in preserving the sanctity of our symbols for future generations,” the Hindu American Foundation, a US advocacy group, said on Thursday (18 July) in a post on X.
Historic Recognition: Distinguishing the Nazi Hakenkreuz from the Sacred Swastika
“A Historic Win for Our Community! Thanks to the tireless advocacy of our supporters in Oregon, the Oregon Department of Education has officially recognised the distinction between the Nazi hakenkreuz and our sacred swastika. This monumental decision marks a significant step forward in preserving the sanctity of our symbols for future generations. This victory wouldn’t have been possible without your unwavering support and dedication. Let’s continue to educate and spread awareness about the true meaning of our sacred swastika,” the HAF said.
The swastika has thousands of years of historical significance in several Asian religions, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. It stands for ideas like as fortune, good fortune, and the divine. But because the Nazi party appropriated the emblem and used it to incite fear and hatred, people now frequently confuse it with the hakenkreuz, the Nazis’ perverted version of the swastika.
“While the hooked cross image is commonly referred to as a ‘swastika, the actual Nazi and Neo-Nazi symbol is correctly labeled as a ‘hakenkreuz’, the German word for ‘hooked cross’,” the Oregon Education Department said.”
‘Swastika’ is a Sanskrit word and is used to symbolize auspiciousness and elements of the natural world in many religions and cultures, including in Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Jainism, and some Native American religions and cultures,” it added.
The Oregon Department of Education’s decision to reject the swastika’s use as a symbol of hatred while simultaneously recognizing the emblem’s cultural and religious significance is a critical step in that direction. It makes it very evident that the state acknowledges the differences between the two symbols and is dedicated to preserving the swastika’s sacredness for the various communities that revere it.
It further added that the association of Swastika “with racism and the Holocaust was a corruption by the Nazi party. Neo- Nazi use of this symbol is intended to intimidate specific communities”.It is imperative that we maintain this momentum going ahead. It is imperative that we continue to be watchful in eradicating the myths surrounding the swastika and educating people about its sacred significance.
The foundation stated, “By banding together, we can make sure that the swastika is honored and celebrated for its true significance, instead of being overshadowed by its association with hate and intolerance.”
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