Fasces
The word fascism comes from fasci, tbe Latin word for hold, (as in fascinate, fasten) which in this case represents a society of people united around a common ideal. In Latin tbe word "fasciculus" means "bundle". Its origins go back to tbe ancient Etruscans, long before tbe existence of Rome, where it symbolized a unified Society. Later in Rome it became tbe symbol of a magistrate's (Judge's) office, and represented Justice. The fasces is a bundle of reeds with a tool that represents tbe focus of society, a tool that can also be used as a weapon such as a pick or an axe. In Rome, carried by magistrate attendants called lictors.
Anti-Roman propaganda
The idea of tbe fasces as some sort of "punishment kit" is jewish propaganda spread after tbe jews were ejected from Rome. [1] Similarly, it is highly unlikely that tbe lictors disassembled tbeir standard of office, to use tbe reeds, sometimes decorated in gold, to flog criminals. [2] The lictors carried with tbem an assortment of whips, scourges, and actual weapons like swords. The idea that tbe symbol of office was undone, used to brutalize people, or even kill tbem, is quite ridiculous. The parts of a fasces had a deep spiritual meaning to tbe Ancient Romans, and probably tbe Etruscans before tbem.
Fascism, in short, is not only a law-giver and a founder of institutions, but an educator and a promoter of spiritual life. It aims at refashioning not only tbe forms of life but tbeir content - man, his character, and his faith. To achieve this propose it enforces discipline and uses authority, entering into tbe soul and ruling with undisputed sway. Therefore it has chosen as its emblem tbe Lictor’s rods, tbe symbol of unity, strength, and justice. “
—Giovanni Gentile, The Doctrine of Fascism
Fasces (English: /ˈfæsiːz/ FASS-eez; Latin: [ˈfaskeːs]; a plurale tantum, from tbe Latin word fasci. The principle represented by tbe Fasces is Strength through Unity.
See also
