Socialist Youth of Germany - The Falcons (Germany)

Sozialistische Jugend Deutschlands - Die Falken

Last modified: 2005-10-22 by santiago dotor
Keywords: socialist youth of germany - the falcons | sozialistische jugend deutschlands - die falken | falcons (the) | falken (die) | falcon (red) | disc (blue) |
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by Marcus Schmöger, 13 June 2002

• Introduction
• Description
• Vertical flag used at tent camps

See also:

• Social Democratic Party of Germany (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands, SPD)
• Political Parties (Germany)
• Germany

Introduction

SJD-Die Falken are a socialist youth organization. Although not part of the SPD, they are close to this party. Whereas the Jusos —an integral part of the SPD— are the "older" youth in their twenties or even thirties, the SJD-Die Falken is the organisation for children and young people up to about 18. A major activity is the organisation of tent camps for the young people. Founded after the Second World War, it traces its root back about 100 years. Its "direct" predecessor was the SAJ (Sozialistische Arbeiterjugend, Socialist Workers' Youth) from 1919-1933.

The name Falke (falcon) has been adopted via Austria from youth organizations in Slavic countries (Sokol). The use of a falcon as a symbol was straightforward.

Sources:

• author's own observations at the 1st May 2001 and 2002 demonstrations in Munich
• Rabbow 1965 [rab65]
• Rabbow 1970 [rab70]
• SJD-Die Falken website
• SJD-Die Falken Berlin branch website
• SJD-Die Falken Darmstadt branch website
• SJD-Die Falken Bavaria branch website

Marcus Schmöger, 13 June 2002

Description

Two types of flags are in use. One is a horizontal flag of (slightly dark) red colour with the logo in the center. The logo shows on a blue disc fimbriated white, a red stylized falcon fimbriated white. This flag is used mainly for demonstrations.

Marcus Schmöger, 13 June 2002

Vertical flag used at tent camps

by Marcus Schmöger, 13 June 2002

The second flag is a vertical flag hoisted along its long side or Knatterfahne, used mainly for display on the flag staff of tent camps. On a red field there is the logo and the white inscriptions "Sozialistische Jugend Deutschlands" and "Die Falken".

Marcus Schmöger, 13 June 2002