Restaurant in row over ‘swastika welcome sign’
A CURRY house has defended the use of a swastika symbol in a sign outside the restaurant.
Lily’s Vegetarian Indian Restaurant, in Ashton-under-Lyne, posted on Facebook to quell negative comments that had apparently been circulating.
The swastika is an ancient religious symbol for peace, but was twisted – literally and figuratively – by the Nazi party in the 1930s.
The Nazi interpretation of the symbol is rotated 40 degrees, usually a black character within a white circle on a red background.
The word itself comes from Sanskrit meaning ‘conducive to wellbeing’ or ‘auspicious,’ while in Hinduism it symbolises prosperity and good luck.
The swastika at Lily’s is red on a white background, and is part of a ‘Welcome’ sign that was hung above the door before a visit from Mayor of Tameside, Coun Leigh Drennan.
The mayor visited the restaurant earlier this week as part of the pre-Diwali celebrations.
Lily’s Facebook post reads: “The symbol that is used in this sign is a religious Hindu symbol. It is an ancient symbol of spirituality and represents auspiciousness and good luck. It has been recognised as this symbol since 3,000 BC and still represents this for many Hindus around the world today.
“We have been made aware that some comments have been circulating that imply we have this symbol up for other reasons and would like to make it clear that this isn’t the case.”
Fans of the restaurant leapt to its support, with many labelling it a ‘shame’ that they have had to explain.
One Facebook user wrote: “The symbol was misappropriated by the Nazis. People should be informed of its true meaning.”
Another wrote: “Absolutely pathetic that this needs to be clarified. Social media gives the uneducated a powerful voice unfortunately”