But whatever the meaning of it was, the Swastika Cross is found in all parts of the world as an ancient mark.
Thus, in Norway it appears on the sword-scabbard of the ancient
Norsemen as a sign to bring good luck; also in Iceland, Germany, and
France on old pottery.
In the south it is found in West Africa, in Greece, and Egypt.
In the west it is found in America, in Arizona, and Mexico, and South
America.
And in the east in India, Tibet, Japan, China, and Persia.
Thus, it stands for Europe, Asia, Africa, and America—all the world; and it is, in each of them, considered to be a sign of friendliness and good wishes.
That is how we come to use it in the Scouts, whose business is to do good turns and to help other people wherever we may be.
When, therefore, we want to show particular goodwill to anyone, especially those who have done us a good turn, we give to them a "Swastika," or "Badge of Brotherhood," to wear. This makes them members of the brotherhood of Scouts, although they are not actual Scouts themselves; and when they show their badge to a Scout he will do all he can to help them in whatever part of the world they may be.
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