And Adolf Hitler made it the emblem of the Third Reich of Germany. Yes, it is the swastika.

As Hitler wrote in his book Mein Kampf, he brought the swastika flag before the public for the first time in the summer of 1920. He and his associates were very enthusiastic about their new banner with its ancient motif. He said: “Its effect was as that of a firebrand.”

To many readers it may seem strange that Hitler’s political symbol was also to be found in a religious setting.