Finland Removes Swastika From Air Force Flags: What It Really Means
Finland has confirmed that it will remove the swastika symbol from the flags of its air force. According to Finnish officials, the move comes after years of dealing with “awkward situations” with foreign visitors who often associated the symbol with Nazi Germany.
The change has quickly become a trending global story because the swastika is one of the most charged and misunderstood symbols in history. For Finland, its use of the design predated the rise of Hitler by decades, but public perception in 2025 makes it difficult to separate the emblem from its Nazi associations.
A Symbol Older Than the Nazis
Most people today immediately link the swastika with Nazi Germany and World War II. But the truth is that the symbol itself is far older than that. It actually comes from cultures all around the world.
In Europe
The swastika appeared frequently in the art and architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome. There have been so many cases where archaeologists have uncovered the symbol carved into temples, homes and even everyday objects. It was often placed on bridges, mosaics, and military memorials as a sign of protection and fortune. In those times, it had no negative association since it was purely used for decorative purposes with positive motif that represented the likes of prosperity, strength and the natural order of life.
In Asia
Believe it or not, but the swastika has one of its deepest roots in Asia, where it has been revered for thousands of years. In places like India, Nepal, Tibet, and much of Southeast Asia, the swastika (or svastika, which by the way means “well-being” in Sanskrit) is regarded as a sacred and auspicious symbol. And when we come to Hinduism, it is linked to Lord Vishnu and the eternal cycle of life.
In Buddhism, on the other hand, it symbolizes harmony and the footprints of the Buddha. Additionally it is also very prominent in Jainism where it represents the four states of existence namely heavenly beings, human beings, animal beings, and hellish beings. Even today, you’ll notice that it is still drawn on temples and the entrances of homes during festivals as a symbol of welcome and blessings.
In the Nordic Region
Finland’s association with the swastika dates back to 1918. This was way before Nazi Germany came into existence. The story begins with Swedish count Eric von Rosen, who donated an aircraft to the newly formed Finnish Air Force. Painted on the plane was his personal emblem, which was a blue swastika. He considered this emblem nothing short of a symbol of good luck. Inspired by the gesture, Finland adopted the design as part of its official military insignia.
And for more than a century, it remained on certain flags tied to national history rather than fascist ideology. However, as global perceptions shifted after World War II, the Finnish use of the swastika became increasingly misunderstood.
Why Finland Is Changing Course Now
For over 100 years, Finland quietly used the swastika on certain air force flags and unit emblems. Officials long argued that its origins were different from Germany’s use in the 1930s and 40s.
But in recent years, especially with foreign dignitaries and international visitors, the symbol repeatedly caused confusion and discomfort. Military leaders said the time had finally come to “live with the times”. And in doing so, they needed to adopt symbols that avoid misinterpretation. And the truth is that in many parts of Europe such as Czechia and Germany, this highly controversial symbol is illegal.
My Experience Seeing the Symbol in Finland
A few years ago, when I visited Helsinki, I remember being caught off guard when I first noticed the swastika symbol on some Finnish military emblems during some sort of military parade in the city. As a Black traveler, my immediate reaction was discomfort. Growing up, that image was only ever connected to the horrors of Nazi Germany, hate groups, and racism. To suddenly see it displayed openly in Europe, even in a totally different context, felt jarring.
The truth is that at the time, I did not fully understand that Finland had been using the swastika long before the Nazis. Later, I learned about its older history and cultural significance, and I could see why many Finns viewed it differently. But in that moment, standing in the streets of Helsinki, I could not separate the symbol from what it had come to mean in modern times.
Social Media Reactions
The announcement quickly set social media on fire, with thousands of people weighing in from different parts of the world. These reactions honestly just showed how divided opinions remain when it comes to the swastika and its place in modern society.
Many users reminded others that the swastika is far older than Nazi Germany. One commenter wrote, “The swastika was an ancient good luck symbol long before the Nazis”.
Another pointed out, “It can be found in Ancient Greece and Rome, and it is still used in Hindu and Buddhist traditions today”. To them, it is unfair to let one dark chapter in history completely erase thousands of years of positive meaning.
At the same time, a large number of people argued that history has moved on and the reality of global perception cannot be ignored. As one user put it, “The swastika symbol should never be treated as a Nazi symbol after 60 years of defeat of Nazi”, while another simply asked, “Eighty years late removing them?” For these people, no matter how ancient or sacred its origins may be, the swastika will always be connected to Nazi Germany, fascism, and the Holocaust.
Emotional Reactions
There were also strong emotional reactions from Finns themselves. One Finnish commenter admitted, “As a Finnish person I am utterly appalled to hear about this! Why the heck hasn’t it been removed after the war!?” Others defended their country’s history, reminding critics that Finland fought hard against the Soviet Union during World War II and that the swastika in their air force had nothing to do with Hitler’s regime.
A few voices took a lighter approach, mixing history with sarcasm. One person joked, “It’s ok Finland. Everyone which side you supported during WW2. Don’t be shy to keep your symbols.”
Another asked, “Isn’t it weird how this is an issue in 2025, 80 years after the end of the war?”
Scrolling through the reactions makes one thing clear: people remain passionate about the issue. Some see Finland’s decision as erasing an important piece of cultural history, while others view it as a long overdue step toward aligning with the values of today’s world.
The Strangest Comment I Saw
While scrolling through the reactions, one comment stood out to me as the strangest of them all. A user asked: “Why does everyone have to change to accommodate foreigners?”
At first glance, it almost felt out of place in this discussion. Finland’s decision to remove the swastika from its air force flags goes beyond just “accommodating foreigners”. I think it has more to do with acknowledging how symbols carry different meanings in today’s global world. The idea that a country should ignore how its symbols are perceived beyond its borders misses the point.
What made the exchange even more unusual was how quickly others jumped in to respond. One person clapped back with humor, writing: “For the same reason you put clothes on when you have guests.” Another poked fun, suggesting the original commenter must be a “Confederate re-enactor.”
To me, this comment and the reactions to it summed up the divide in how people see cultural symbols. Some think change is about bowing to outsiders, while others recognize it as basic respect in an interconnected world. The conversation spiraled into jokes, but behind it was a serious truth: in 2025, no country operates in isolation. What you choose to display publicly will always be viewed through a global lens.
