Forest Swastikas A Nazi Mystery: Tree Formation Of Hitler Symbol Cut Down In 2000, But Appear Again In Eastern Germany

Forest swastikas discovered 20 years ago in eastern Germany and cut down in 2000 have cropped up again and in other German regions and forests. The swastika formations' origins and return are a mystery.

As fall approaches, the pine tree forests remain green in eastern Germany. However, larches planted in a swastika formation change color among the evergreen pine trees, thus turning a bright yellow/orange color and standing out starkly, according to ABC News.

The forest swastikas were discovered by Ökoland Dederow in 1992, while looking at aerial photographs for irrigation lines, The Inquisitr reports. He was shocked to find that the larches and their fall colors made the distinct pattern of the Nazi symbol, the swastika, in the German forest.

Neo-Nazis have flocked to the forest swastikas. In response, German officials ordered for 25 of the 150 trees forming the forest swastikas to be cut down in 2000.  

However, The Examiner reports that since 2000, several other swastikas in various regions in Germany have cropped up.

The return of the forest swastikas are a mystery, as are their origins. One local farmer claimed that a forester paid him a few cents per seedling to plant the trees when he was a child, according to The Inquisitr.

Others believe a nearby village planted the trees to form the forest swastikas as a sign of loyalty to the Nazis after a fellow villager was taken to a concentration camp.

Another rumor claims a local Nazi leader created the swastika formation as a gift for Hitler's birthday.

Another story claims the forest swastikas were simply planted as a way of thanking the Reich Labor Service for building a street.

According to The Inquisitr, there was a time when making such symbols was "a fad among National Socialist foresters."