Figure 1.-- While the NAZIs adopted a wide range of policies to undermind traditional religion, they did not ban the mainline denominations or close churches. This would have been disruptive in a country as thoroughly Christian as Germany. Where Germany was headed can be seen in the SS. Here a SS corporal is being marries in a ceremony officiated by his commnder, probably around 1935. Note that the boys are wearing sailor suits rather thzn their Hitler Youth uniforms. It is possible that they were not HJ members as it was not yet mandatory and one boy looks younger than 10 years old. Source: Library of Congress, 242-HB-4244.

While the NAZIs adopted a wide range of policies to undermind traditional religion, they did not ban the mainline denominations or close churches. This would have been disruptive in a country as thoroughly Christian as Germany. Where Germany was headed can be seen in the SS. Here a SS corporal is being married in a ceremony officiated by his commnder, probably around 1935. We are not sure where the ceremony was held, but it was not a church. We thought that the book the bridgegroom is holding coould be a copy of Mein Kampf. Newlyweds received copies of Hitler's book. And as this is not a church wedding, it is unlikely to be a Bible. A German librarian tells us, however, that Mein Kampf is a thicker volume. Our reader is probably correct as Mein Kampf was about 700 pages. So we are left wondering what book he is holding. Note that the boys are wearing sailor suits rather than their Hitler Youth uniforms. This was very common in German weddings and may reflect the desires of the bride's family. It is also possible that they were not HJ members as it was not yet mandatory and one boy looks younger than 10 years old. HJ membership was first made mandatory in 1936. We do not yet have details as to SS rules anout weddings. This is clearly a secular ceremony, but we do not know if SS men were actually ordered not to have church weddings. We know they were incouraed to leave the church and have secular ceremonies, but I do not think there was an actual prohibition. Compare this wedding to that of a nacal officer about the same time.