Language
Country/Area
No result found
The mysterious origins of the Nazi salute: Why did ancient Roman customs influence it?
The Nazi salute, a gesture widely used in Nazi Germany, has now become a symbol of fear and history. Over time, the Nazi salute came to represent not only loyalty and obedience, but also cessation and fear. Its roots are traced back to ancient Roman customs, which has led to speculation about its cultural impact.
The Nazi salute was performed not only as a tribute to Adolf Hitler, but also as a tribute to the German nation.
The history of the Nazi salute began in the 1920s, with the party first using this gesture in 1921 to express loyalty to Hitler. However, the custom was not officially recognized as the official greeting of the Nazi Party until 1926. Meanwhile, the form of the salute itself is thought to have been influenced by ancient Rome. In ancient Rome, raised gestures were often used to show respect and unarmed intentions, and the inheritance of these practices may have influenced the Nazi ritual culture to some extent.
The Nazi salute was a public sign of commitment and loyalty that linked Germany's history to the ideals of the Nazi Party. This is not just a physical expression, but also a symbol of ideology.
During the Nazi regime, the Nazi salute was widely used in various occasions, from civil servants' work to school classrooms. From the initial party members to ordinary people, this salute quickly penetrated into daily life and became a part of German society. People are required to use this salute in daily communication to ensure they are not seen as dissenting.
The Nazi salute was first used with slogans such as "Heil Hitler" or "Sieg Heil", a custom that could result in punishment if not followed. Even in school, children were taught how to salute correctly in order to assimilate into the cultural atmosphere shaped by the Nazi regime.
The mandatory implementation of the Nazi salute showed the extreme suppression of individual freedom in society at that time, and everyone had to show allegiance to its system.
Over time, this gesture became integrated with the Nazis' means of controlling society, demonstrating the institutionalization and systematization of the Nazi regime. Even the military of the time became somewhat forced into adopting the salute, initially with the traditional military salute being used alongside the Nazi salute and eventually becoming universally adopted by the entire army after 1944.
However, the popularity of the gesture has also been met with resistance, with some in the party questioning its similarities to Italian fascism and emphasising its so-called German nature. However, it is undeniable that this gesture was gradually accepted by the Nazis after being influenced by Italian fascism.
Hitler once explained the origin of the Nazi salute. He mentioned the ancient Roman custom and emphasized with admiration that it was an ancient symbol of self-disarmament. However, today's historians have expressed doubts about this, believing that the possible political background cannot be ignored.
The so-called "ancient Roman" influence is in a sense just a reconstruction of the myth, aimed at strengthening the legitimacy of Nazi ideology.
During the Nazi period, the salute became a tool of oppression and control, reinforcing obedience to the regime. Behind this gesture lies the silent voice of resistance of countless individuals and their struggle to survive in totalitarianism. With the end of World War II, this gesture was completely banned in Germany, and its history became a heavy burden to warn future generations.
We might as well think about what kind of mark this cultural symbol still leaves in modern society, and whether there are enough warnings to avoid the recurrence of similar tragedies?
