What is the Bent Cross?

The Bent Cross, also known as the Broken Cross or the Twisted Cross, is a symbol that has been associated with various meanings throughout history. One of its most notable associations is with the Nazi Party in Germany during the 20th century.

In this context, the Bent Cross, or Hakenkreuz in German, was adopted by the Nazi regime as the symbol of the swastika. The swastika, a hooked cross with its arms bent at right angles, was used as the emblem of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), commonly known as the Nazi Party, and later became the emblem of Nazi Germany.

However, it's important to note that the swastika has a much older history and was used as a symbol in various cultures long before its association with the Nazi Party. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions, the swastika has traditionally been a symbol of auspiciousness, good fortune, and well-being.

Despite its ancient roots and positive connotations in some cultures, the swastika's association with the atrocities committed by the Nazis during World War II has overwhelmingly tainted its meaning in the Western world. As a result, the Bent Cross or swastika is now widely recognized as a symbol of hate, racism, and genocide.