swastika

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Cross in which the bars are extended at right angles in the same clockwise or anticlockwise direction. Its origin is uncertain, but it appears frequently as an ancient good luck and religious symbol in both the Old World and the New. In Hinduism it is a symbol of good luck and goodness. In this religion it originates from a symbol for the sun, and takes the form of a cross in which the bars are extended at right angles, usually pointing in a clockwise direction. A swastika with clockwise bars was adopted as the emblem of the Nazi Party and incorporated into the German national flag 1935–45.

The swastika was used as a religious symbol by the Buddhists and Jains. With anticlockwise bars, it is commonly used on maps to indicate a Buddhist temple.

In Hinduism swastikas are often used to decorate mandir (temples) and shrines, or incorporated into mandalas and rangoli patterns, used for meditation.

The sun of freedom rises from the Caribbean Sea. The stars represent Costa Rica's seven provinces. Red was added to the blue and white flag to reflect the French tricolour. Effective date: 29 September 1848. >>