What does "klu klux" actually mean?

[timbaly]

This has been on my mind for a while, but everytime I try to find out about it the search engine results are about the origins never about the reason behind the name. I've also noticed that sometimes the groups name is written as "ku klux" rather than "klu klux", why the discrepancy? Another question i have is why do they spell "clan" with a "k"?

[Hampton]

The Origin of the Name Ku Klux Klan
"The name Ku Klux Klan comes from the Greek word kuklos, meaning circle, because in it is contained some of the unique characteristics of the White (or Aryan) race. The wheel is certainly the best symbol of creativity; hence the creativity of the White race, and the circle is the oldest symbol of unity. Kuklos thought about in this context simply means White Racial Brotherhood. Ku Klux was simply taken from the word kuklos and Klan was added."
--from the KKK.
com web site

[Rastafari]

in the early 20th century, they would really make it feel like more of a secret organization by using the K for a lot of things. They would have a Klan Klalender, have a Konklave in the Klan Klavern, etc.

it appealed to poor and ignorant people though, deluding them with titles like "Grand Wizard" and "Big Dragon" and shit like that.


edit: Excellent Question though. I thought it was interesting to learn as well. Thanks Hampton

[Maynard]

Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klu_Klux_Klan) and Here (http://reactor-core.org/secret/history-of-the-original-ku-klux-klan.html) are two sites of interest. The second article's author, seems a bit of an apologist though for the Klan's existence

"The name Ku Klux Klan comes from kuklos, the Greek word for circle. A persistent myth has existed in the United States which alleges that the name comes from the sound of the hammer of a rifle being cocked"

It's also known as the "Invisible Empire" but the Klan was just added on for an alletiration "On Christmas eve in 1865 in the law office of Judge Thomas Jones, in the little town of Pulaski, in Southern Tennessee, near the Alabama line, six young men, all confederate veterans, concluded to organize a society of some kind; some one suggested that they call it "Kuklid," from the Greek word Kuklos, meaning a circle, and some other person present said, "Call it Ku Klux"; the word "Klan" was then added to complete the alliteration"


They do also have titles of Gran Wizard and Grand Cyclops, which says it all really but they, do, unfortunately, appeal to some of the poorest people and those of the working class by blaming all their problems, economic,, social, just about everything on there "enemies". It's power has seemed to be diminishing, though it said in the article that a Klan has popped up in the United Kingdom. I have wondered why it hadn't spread to other nations before

[timbaly]

The information is much appreciated