20 Misinterpreted Symbols That Shaped Wars

Swastika (卐)

The swastika, an ancient symbol tracing back thousands of years, was once cherished as an emblem of good fortune and prosperity in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Its arms, usually bent at right angles, adorned temples, manuscripts, and homes across Asia, representing auspicious beginnings and protective blessings. This peaceful meaning was violently upended in the 20th century when Nazi Germany adopted the swastika as its official insignia. The symbol, once synonymous with well-being, became forever linked to hate, genocide, and fascist ideology. Its appearance now evokes raw emotions, fear, and disgust, especially among Holocaust survivors and their families. Even today, the Anti-Defamation League lists the swastika as a leading hate symbol, showing how far its meaning has shifted. The swastika’s story is a powerful reminder of how context can twist even the oldest and most positive symbols into tools of terror.

Christian Cross (✝)

The Christian cross is among the most recognized symbols worldwide, embodying sacrifice, redemption, and divine love for billions. Rooted in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, it originally spoke of hope and salvation. Yet, during the medieval Crusades and subsequent religious wars, the cross took on a darker role. It was wielded as a justification for violence, conquest, and forced conversion, transforming it in some eyes into a banner of oppression. This legacy lingers, with some communities still associating the cross with colonialism and bloodshed. Pew Research Center studies highlight how religious symbols like the cross can spark deep, sometimes divisive emotions. The duality of the cross’s meaning—love and violence—reflects how symbols can be weaponized in the name of faith or power.

Red Star (★)

The red star first shone as a beacon of socialism, worker solidarity, and hope for a more just world. It became the proud emblem of the Soviet Union and other leftist movements, symbolizing progress and the unity of industrial and agricultural workers. Yet, as the world split during the Cold War, its meaning shifted dramatically. The star was increasingly seen as a mark of oppression, authoritarianism, and the loss of individual freedoms. In countries once under Soviet influence, the red star came to represent memories of fear, censorship, and violence. Freedom House reports that even today, the red star is viewed with suspicion in many countries, its original promise of unity overshadowed by its association with totalitarian regimes. The red star’s journey from hope to fear is a stark example of how political symbols can be transformed by history.

Crescent Moon and Star (☪)

The crescent moon and star, now widely recognized as a symbol of Islam, originally signified the power and reach of the Ottoman Empire. Its elegant curves adorned flags and monuments, standing for community and faith. In modern times, however, the symbol has been misinterpreted, especially in Western media, as a marker of militancy or political Islam. This has fed into anti-Islamic rhetoric and contributed to the stigmatization of Muslim communities worldwide. Statistics from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reveal a disturbing rise in hate crimes and discrimination tied to this symbol. What was once a sign of unity and spirituality has become, for some, a misunderstood emblem of division. The crescent’s story shows how symbols can be manipulated to serve political or ideological fears.

Hammer and Sickle (☭)

The hammer and sickle was born as a celebration of unity between industrial and agricultural workers, central to Soviet ideals. It represented the dream of equality and a classless society, appearing proudly on Soviet flags and propaganda. Over time, however, atrocities committed under authoritarian communist regimes—forced labor camps, purges, and famine—clung to the symbol like a dark shadow. Many in Eastern Europe and beyond came to view it as a sign of repression and suffering. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation estimates that over 100 million people died due to communist regimes, forever staining the hammer and sickle’s meaning. The symbol now stirs both nostalgia and pain, its original message lost to the horrors of history.

Confederate Flag

Once a battlefield standard for the Confederate States during the American Civil War, the Confederate flag has since taken on a deeply polarizing meaning. In its original context, it symbolized Southern pride and the struggle for states’ rights, but its use by white supremacist groups has transformed it into a banner of racism and rebellion. Today, the Southern Poverty Law Center tracks its appearance at rallies and hate group events, revealing how it has become a rallying point for those resisting social change. The flag’s presence ignites fierce debates about heritage, history, and hate in the United States. Its story is a vivid example of how symbols can be repurposed, dividing communities and shaping the memory of conflict.

Black Flag (Jihadist Use)

The black flag has a long history in Islamic eschatology, originally symbolizing revolution, the end times, or the struggle against oppression. Early Islamic armies carried black banners, believing in the promise of justice. In recent years, extremist groups like ISIS have hijacked the black flag, emblazoning it with their creed and using it to declare global jihad. This has led to widespread misunderstanding, with the black flag now seen as synonymous with terrorism and violence. The Institute for Strategic Dialogue has documented how this misappropriation has fueled Islamophobia and distorted perceptions of Islam. The black flag’s transformation shows how dangerous it can be when symbols are manipulated for violent purposes.

Peace Symbol (☮)

Designed in 1958 for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, the peace symbol quickly became an international icon for anti-war and civil rights movements. Its simple lines, forming a combination of semaphore signals for “N” and “D” (nuclear disarmament), spoke to generations longing for peace. Oddly, conspiracy theorists and some religious groups have misinterpreted the symbol as occult, anti-Christian, or even satanic. This has sparked confusion and resistance to the symbol’s use in some circles. The Public Religion Research Institute found that many Americans still misunderstand the peace symbol’s origins, proving how even the simplest designs can be clouded by rumor and fear. The peace symbol’s journey reminds us that even calls for harmony can be distorted.

Valknut

The Valknut, a mysterious arrangement of interlocking triangles, is rooted in Norse mythology and linked to Odin, god of warriors and the afterlife. For centuries, it adorned ancient stones and artifacts, signifying strength and the valor of those who fell in battle. In recent times, however, it has been co-opted by white supremacist groups, who twist its meaning to promote ideas of Aryan heritage. This misuse has tainted the Valknut’s reputation, making it a coded sign among hate groups. The Southern Poverty Law Center highlights the Valknut’s appropriation as part of a broader trend of extremist groups hijacking ancient symbols to legitimize their views. The Valknut’s tragic transformation illustrates how cultural heritage can be weaponized.

Totenkopf (Death’s Head Skull)

The Totenkopf, or Death’s Head Skull, was once a military emblem used by units like the Prussian Hussars, symbolizing bravery in the face of death. It functioned as a memento mori, reminding soldiers of their mortality. The symbol took a sinister turn when adopted by the Nazi SS, becoming a chilling mark of terror, violence, and fascist ideology. Since World War II, the Totenkopf has been embraced by neo-Nazi and far-right groups, further deepening its association with hate and brutality. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum documents its presence in modern hate movements, showing how the symbol’s meaning has been irreversibly altered. The Totenkopf’s journey from honor to horror is a stark warning about the power of symbols in shaping collective memory.

Sun of May

The Sun of May, radiating from the flags of Argentina and Uruguay, stands as a proud emblem of independence and national identity. Its origins are tied to the May Revolution of 1810, a pivotal moment in South American history. Despite its patriotic roots, the symbol has occasionally been confused with ancient solar cult emblems or misused in ultra-nationalist contexts. This has sparked debates about the role of national symbols in expressing unity versus exclusion. The Argentine government emphasizes the Sun of May’s positive legacy, yet its occasional misappropriation highlights the fine line between pride and propaganda. The Sun of May’s evolving meaning demonstrates how national symbols can shift with changing political winds.

The Eye of Providence

The Eye of Providence, often depicted atop a pyramid and radiating light, originally symbolized divine guidance and the watchful presence of God. It appears on the US dollar bill and many public buildings, intended as a reminder of moral order and higher purpose. Over time, conspiracy theorists have seized on the symbol, linking it to the Illuminati and secret societies. This has led to a climate of suspicion and a proliferation of wild theories about hidden power. The Pew Research Center has found that belief in conspiracy theories is alarmingly common, influencing how people view even the most benign symbols. The Eye of Providence’s journey is a testament to the human tendency to seek hidden meanings in plain sight.

The Fasces

The fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an axe, was a Roman symbol of authority, unity, and justice. It represented the strength of community and the power vested in leaders to protect and serve. Its meaning changed drastically when Mussolini adopted it as the emblem of Italian Fascism in the early 20th century. The fasces became a symbol of dictatorship, control, and violence, forever tainted by its association with authoritarian rule. Historians point out that the fasces now serves as a warning from history—a reminder of how easily symbols of unity can be twisted into tools of oppression. The fasces’ story illustrates how quickly meaning can change in turbulent times.

The Rising Sun Flag

The Rising Sun Flag, with its bold red rays, was once a proud military standard of Imperial Japan, symbolizing national strength and the dawn of a new era. For many Japanese, it remains a symbol of tradition and cultural pride. However, in Asia—especially in countries that suffered under Japanese occupation—the flag is seen as a reminder of militarism, aggression, and wartime atrocities. Its display at sporting events or diplomatic occasions often sparks protests and reignites old wounds. Research from the Asia-Pacific Journal shows that the Rising Sun Flag continues to stir controversy, highlighting unresolved historical trauma in the region. The flag’s dual meanings reflect the complexities of memory and reconciliation.

Inverted Pentagram (☆)

The inverted pentagram has ancient roots, symbolizing the human body, the balance of elements, and protection in Pythagoreanism and Wicca. For practitioners, it is a positive sign of harmony and spiritual connection. Popular media and some religious groups, however, have misrepresented the pentagram as a satanic or malevolent symbol, fueling fear and misunderstanding. This misinterpretation has led to discrimination against those practicing pagan or alternative faiths. The Pew Research Center notes that misconceptions about symbols like the pentagram are persistent, often resulting in social stigma. The inverted pentagram’s story shows how easy it is for fear to overshadow knowledge.

Z Symbol (Russia-Ukraine Conflict)

The Z symbol, spray-painted or stuck onto Russian military vehicles, was initially a simple tactical marking during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It quickly took on a new life, adopted as a symbol of support for Russia’s military actions and used in propaganda to rally nationalist sentiment. The letter, which has no particular meaning in the Russian alphabet, became a shorthand for pro-war attitudes and was emblazoned on T-shirts, billboards, and social media. The International Crisis Group reports that the Z has polarized public opinion, serving both as a badge of loyalty and a mark of aggression. Its rapid transformation shows how quickly new symbols can shape the narrative of modern conflicts.

Yin-Yang (☯)

The yin-yang symbol, with its swirling black and white halves, is rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, representing the dynamic balance of opposing forces in the universe. It embodies the idea that light and dark, masculine and feminine, order and chaos, are interdependent and ever-changing. In Western pop culture, however, yin-yang is often oversimplified as a symbol of “good versus evil,” stripping away its deep philosophical meaning. This commercialized version misses the point that yin and yang are not enemies, but partners in an eternal dance. The Journal of Chinese Philosophy stresses the importance of respecting the complexity of such symbols, warning against reducing them to clichés. The yin-yang’s journey highlights the dangers of cultural misunderstanding.

Celtic Cross

The Celtic cross, with its distinctive ring and intricate patterns, originated as a Christian symbol in early medieval Ireland and Britain. It stood for the intersection of faith, culture, and community, gracing ancient monuments and gravestones. In recent decades, white nationalist groups have adopted the Celtic cross as a symbol of racial identity, distorting its meaning and fueling division. This appropriation has sparked fierce debate in Europe and the US about the symbol’s true significance. The Anti-Defamation League actively tracks its use by hate groups, underscoring the importance of context in interpreting symbols. The Celtic cross’s shifting reputation reveals how easily heritage can be twisted for political ends.

Trident (Tryzub)

The trident, or Tryzub, is emblazoned on Ukraine’s coat of arms, evoking the country’s medieval heritage and national pride. Its three prongs symbolize the unity of the Ukrainian people and their struggle for independence. Russian propaganda has sought to mislabel the Tryzub as an extremist or fascist emblem, attempting to undermine its legitimacy and divide Ukrainian society. The Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance emphasizes the Tryzub’s role in uniting, not dividing, the nation. The symbol’s contested meaning is a microcosm of the larger battle over history and identity playing out in Eastern Europe.

White Rose

The white rose, delicate and pure, was chosen as the emblem of a German student resistance group that opposed Hitler’s regime during World War II. It stood for peace, moral courage, and the fight against tyranny, inspiring many who risked their lives for justice. In modern times, the white rose has occasionally been misunderstood, confused with nationalist or royalist symbols unrelated to its original context. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum highlights the need to remember the white rose’s true story—a story of resistance and hope. Its legacy endures as a quiet but powerful plea for justice and humanity.