Christian weddings were replaced in the Allgemeine SS by pseudo-pagan rites presided over by the bridegroom’s commander. Marriages no longer took place in churches, but in the open air under lime trees or in SS buildings decorated with life runes, sunflowers and fir twigs. An eternal flame burned in an urn in front of which the couple swore oaths of loyalty, exchanged rings and received the official SS gift of bread and salt, symbols of the earth’s fruitfulness and purity. A presentation copy of “Mein Kampf” was then taken from a heavy oak casket carved with runes, and handed over to the groom. Finally, as the couple departed from the ceremony, they invariably passed through a sombre arcade of saluting SS brethren.
[Robin Lumsden, Himmler’s Black Order]
