Ancient religious symbol or mandala used in numerous cultures throughout history (India, Germany, Rome etc.). Takes the form of a cross with four legs bent at 90 degrees.
The clockwise, or right-handed, swastika (卐) was appropriated by the Nazi Party as its emblem. This variant was turned 45 degrees in a white circle on a red background which is known as Hakenkreuz (hooked cross). The symbol continues to be widely associated with Nazism to the present day, and its public display is banned in several countries.
Another user of the clockwise swastika was the Finnish Air Force, which used a blue swastika for its aircraft insignia from 1918-1944. The Latvian Air Force used a dark red version.
The counterclockwise, or left-handed, swastika (卍) is an auspicious symbol in Buddhism known in Japan as manji.
