Heilszeichen

The Heilzeichen (“sign of salvation”) is a runic symbol created by the SS, the Nazi paramilitary organisation. 

Symbols resembling the Heilszeichen may also appear in non-hateful contexts. As such, its use should always be identified and evaluated in context.

These runes were based on older Germanic runic alphabets, which were popularised in the late 19th and early 20th century by German nationalist figures and subsequently co-opted by the Nazis, particularly the SS. They continue to be used by neo-Nazi groups internationally.

The Heilszeichen was engraved on the SS death’s head ring (Totenkopfring), an award given to SS members. The symbol is a combination of several runes, including a “gibor” rune that resembles a Wolfsangel; the combination is intended to spell out the word for “God” (“Got”) in Old High German. The symbol appeared opposite of the Totenkopf on the ring.

For the Nazis, the symbol represented prosperity and success through Nazism.