Lauburu

The lauburu or Basque cross is a type of swastika with four comma-shaped heads.

Historians and authorities disagree with its meaning – some say it signifies the four heads or regions of the Basque Country; others say the heads signify spirit, life, consciousness, and form – but it is generally used as a symbol of prosperity. Many Basque homes and shops display the symbol over the doorway as a sort of talisman.

The symbol in its positive form (right-facing) can symbolise life, and in its negative form (left-facing) death. This is the reason why many Basque tombstones display left-facing lauburus.

See also

• Sauwastika
• Swastika
• Tomoe

External link

• The Baskian Swastika Lauburu, its symbolic meaning and history