- Joined
- Jan 5, 2011
- Messages
- 1,451
- Thanks Received
- 851
- Thanks Given
- 890
(Dreiecktuch der Hitlerjugend und des Bund Deutscher Mädel mit Knoten (genannt „Schlips und Knoten“)
A BIT OF HISTORY ABOUT A VERY COMMON PIECE OF UNIFORM
"Ties and knots were the most important parts of the uniforms of the HJ (Hitler Youth) and BDM (League of German Girls). In a kind of initiation rite, they were presented to the children after they had passed the so-called Pimpfenprobe (a physical and ideological test) in a ceremonial act - on the occasion of Hitler's birthday or in the context of the Reich Party Rallies. Possession of these two items of clothing signaled that they were full members of the youth organization of the NSDAP.Among the young people, these two items of clothing were as popular as the so-called climbing vest of the BDM girls. They were considered an important reason for children to join the HJ and BDM organizations. But they were also the two identifying symbols that even the poorest members could afford when the full uniform was too expensive. A contemporary witness who came from the poorer Tecklenburg region said: "80 to 90 percent of our young people didn't have a uniform - too expensive. We all had a scarf and knot. That was the whole uniform. That's how we recognized each other. The rest didn't matter."Like all other uniform parts, the appearance (size, color, type of fabric and hem) of the pieces was precisely prescribed by the Reichszeugmeisterei. A seal on the newly purchased scarves with a stamp and proof of manufacturer proved authenticity. Tailoring the scarves yourself was actually forbidden - but it was still done again and again.The knots were also precisely prescribed and were to be braided from three or four cowhide straps laid next to each other. During the war, cowhide was so scarce that the much lighter goatskin was used instead. But not all of the knots that have been handed down come from the Hitler Youth. Many youth organizations of the 1920s, such as the Boy Scouts, also wore the knot. Some that are made from just two or three cords are more likely to be assigned to these groups.
A BIT OF HISTORY ABOUT A VERY COMMON PIECE OF UNIFORM
"Ties and knots were the most important parts of the uniforms of the HJ (Hitler Youth) and BDM (League of German Girls). In a kind of initiation rite, they were presented to the children after they had passed the so-called Pimpfenprobe (a physical and ideological test) in a ceremonial act - on the occasion of Hitler's birthday or in the context of the Reich Party Rallies. Possession of these two items of clothing signaled that they were full members of the youth organization of the NSDAP.Among the young people, these two items of clothing were as popular as the so-called climbing vest of the BDM girls. They were considered an important reason for children to join the HJ and BDM organizations. But they were also the two identifying symbols that even the poorest members could afford when the full uniform was too expensive. A contemporary witness who came from the poorer Tecklenburg region said: "80 to 90 percent of our young people didn't have a uniform - too expensive. We all had a scarf and knot. That was the whole uniform. That's how we recognized each other. The rest didn't matter."Like all other uniform parts, the appearance (size, color, type of fabric and hem) of the pieces was precisely prescribed by the Reichszeugmeisterei. A seal on the newly purchased scarves with a stamp and proof of manufacturer proved authenticity. Tailoring the scarves yourself was actually forbidden - but it was still done again and again.The knots were also precisely prescribed and were to be braided from three or four cowhide straps laid next to each other. During the war, cowhide was so scarce that the much lighter goatskin was used instead. But not all of the knots that have been handed down come from the Hitler Youth. Many youth organizations of the 1920s, such as the Boy Scouts, also wore the knot. Some that are made from just two or three cords are more likely to be assigned to these groups.
source
Last edited:
