The swastika, and its clockwise-rotating companion, the Suavastika, are ancient symbols, crossing many cultures. Prior to the rise of the latin cross in the 4th century (the "christian cross"), it was a common grave symbol for everlasting life. Greek christians commandeered the symbol and linking four letter gammas (gamma is the third letter in the alphabet, thus a reference to the trinity), into a sign for the trinity and the four gospels. Buddhists use the Suavastika. Jews used the swastika in ancient practices. Pagans, christians, jews, hindus, buddhists, masons -- many have used the symbol, until the germans took it over. So it should not always be seen as a possible Nazi symbol, unless there is other corroborating evidence.