New recruits.

[Kevin grootaers]

[randy@treadways]

In this Wehrmacht new recruit swearing-in ceremony, did they swear allegiance to Adolf Hitler, or was that part of the oath unique to the SS?

Also, all of them seem to be raising their hands in a two-fingered oath symbol. Is there any particular meaning to that? Here in the U.S., the tradition is to raise all fingers when swearing an oath like military, or citizenship, etc.

[Br. James]

Hi Randy,

Very nice photo! As I understand it, all German oaths -- military and civil -- were made to pledge personal obedience to Adolf Hitler, from 1934 (when Hitler became Head of State) and 1945. The Wehrmacht and civil service oath was "sworn to God," while the SS oath was a "vow to Adolf Hitler." For the texts of these different oaths, Google "Reichswehreid".

As to the salute given as the oath was taken, raising three-fingers (the thumb and first two fingers) seems to have been the form for the Wehrmacht and civil service as seen in your photo, and this form appears to go back into Christian history for probably a thousand years or even longer. It was certainly in use during the Imperial Germany Army and the Reichswehr and is therefore not devised by the Nazis -- though the words of the oath taken were from the Nazi time. As for the SS, the photos I have seen appear to show those taking the Hitler Oath as holding up their unclenched right hand as you described oath-taking as it exists here in the USA.

Hope this is helpful,

Br. James

[byterock]

I believe it comes from the traditional gesture of Christ's right hand on the cross.

Will have to look that one up.

[Simon O.]

nachrichten or artillerie i would think

[Br. James]

Byterock is a very astute observer! Here is what the Internet tells us about this question:

"Symbolism of the Blessing
"The fingers spell out “IC XC”, a widely used four letter abbreviation of the Greek for Jesus (IHCOYC) Christ (XPICTOC). It is by the name of Jesus that we are saved and receive blessings: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” (Phil 2:10).

"The three fingers of Christ – as well as spelling out “I” and “X” – confess the Tri-unity of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The touching finger and thumb of Jesus not only spell out “C”, but attest to the Incarnation: to the joining of divine and human natures found in the body of Jesus Christ."

When a priest raises his right hand in blessing -- be it a blessing of people or other things -- the fingers resemble the three-fingered oath position in that the first and second finger are raised fully, the thumb is touching the third (ring) finger, and the fourth finger is often bent as the third finger is, though not touching anything. A blessing is given by a cross-shaped motion of the right hand, so it happens quickly and the details of the finger placement are normally missed because of that motion. In iconography, one sees ancient depictions of the right hand in blessing, especially in icons of Christ, though the saints are often rendered in the blessing position, as well.

Br. James