Biker Patches

The swastika biker patch is one of the most controversial patches in biker culture. While the symbol is associated with Hitler and the Nazis, the bikers who wear these patches are not necessarily Nazi sympathizers.

Rebelling Against Society

The most common reason why bikers wear this patch is to provoke outrage from the layman. The biker or club uses this patch to show that they do not care what society thinks about them. The biker who wears this patch has no belief or respect for the rules and conventions of society.

By wearing this patch the biker wants to show everyone they could care less about the reaction it will generate. This patch is an expression of rebellion against the conventions of society. In this regard, bikers who wear the swastika may be regarded as being similar to outlaw bikers.

Outlaw Bikers, Clubs and Patches

Outlaw clubs have their own rules and regulations. Each club will have their own constitution, laws and punishments for members who do not follow their laws. By their very nature, the outlaw club functions like a society of their own.

For this reason, some clubs and bikers use the swastika to show they are not subject to the rules of mainstream society.

Other outlaw patches symbolize the outlaw biker’s apathy and disregard for mainstream society. This includes the 1% patch. The 1% are those whom the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) said disobeyed the law and were troublemakers. The 13 patch can mean judge, jury and executioner, meaning society cannot pass judgment on the biker.

Other Personal Meanings

It is of course possible the rider is wearing the swastika biker patch because they sympathize with the Nazis. Some bikers may just wear it because it looks cool or they want to attain a certain amount of notoriety.

Origin of the Swastika

Although associated with the Nazis, the swastika is not an original Nazi symbol. Archaeological evidence shows the symbol has been in use for thousands of years. There is evidence it was already in use during the Neolithic period in India.

It is still used in India as a religious symbol by the Hindus and Buddhists. The symbol has been stigmatized in the Western world, but not the east. The word is derived from the Sanskrit word svastika, meaning good luck.

The Swastika in Hinduism

In Hinduism, the symbol stands for the god Brahma. It symbolizes the evolution and involution of the universe. It also symbolizes the four directions (east west, north and south). It is a sacred symbol and utilized in various religious temples, scriptures and decors.

The Swastika in Buddhism

In Buddhism the symbol stands for eternity. It also signifies universal harmony and protection against evil. It is also a symbol of the balance and union of the opposites.

The origin of the swastika goes back thousands of years, and its meaning has changed. Although it remains a symbol of harmony in the East, the swastika biker patch has become a symbol of notoriety and infamy in the West.