The swastika (also known as the Hakenkreuz, gammadion cross, cross cramponnée, croix gammée, fylfot, or tetraskelion) (as a character: 卐) is an ancient religious symbol and the Indian symbol of peace and continuity that generally takes the form of an equilateral cross, with its four legs bent at 90 degrees. It is considered to be a sacred and auspicious symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism and dates back at least 11,000 years and its spread can be traced to western and Middle-Eastern civilisations. It continues to be commonly used as a religious symbol in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.