Final answer:
The swastika symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and long life in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Unfortunately, its positive meaning was overshadowed by its adoption by the Nazis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The swastika is associated with abundance, prosperity, and long life in several major religions, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. This ancient symbol, dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE in India and Central Asia, represented good fortune and well-being. Despite its benign origins and positive connotations in these religions, the swastika's symbolism underwent a dramatic transformation when it was appropriated by the Nazi regime, leading to its contemporary association with the atrocities of World War II.