Why did Mazda cars and GE’s famous tungsten light bulbs share the exact same name? In this episode, I'll break down the surprising story behind the word “Mazda” — a name rooted in ancient mythology, adopted by early electric‑lighting pioneers, and later embraced by a rising Japanese automaker. We explore how Ahura Mazda, the Persian deity of light, wisdom, and creation, inspired two completely separate industries. GE used the “Mazda” trademark to symbolize purity and illumination in its tungsten lamps, while Toyo Kogyo chose “Mazda” as it transformed into the modern car company we know today — blending spiritual symbolism with the founder’s own name. If you’ve ever wondered how a light bulb brand and a car manufacturer ended up connected through a 3,000‑year‑old deity, this deep dive is for you. If you have suggestions for future topics - be sure to leave a comment with it!

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