OMG Secret Nazi (2005)

Disclaimer: This entry is about the controversial swastika forest discovered by the German government in 1992 and subsequently removed in December 2000. Media/information provided below are NOT meant to offend those who were affected by the Holocaust or Nazism.

About

OMG Secret Nazi is a YTMND photoshop meme depicting swastikas and other Nazi-related symbols that are “accidentally found” in public places. While most OMG Secret Nazi images are obviously photoshopped for lulz (in reference to the swastika forest), there are exceptions that point to swastika-like figures “framed” in common design patterns. If you are asking yourself: Is Nazism or Hitler an internet meme? Then bro, you really need to lurk moar.

Origins

aerial photograph of the site

At the height of Nazi power in the 1930s, over 100 yellow larch trees were artificially planted in the pine forest somewhere in Brandenburg, Germany. Specifically arranged to resemble a Nazi swastika, the universal symbol of hatred became visible for a few weeks every year in autumn and spring, when the colors of the larch leaves and pine leaves peaked in contrast.

The infamous Nazi forest was eventually discovered by the reunified German government in 1992 and a good portion of the controversial trees were removed. But despite the initial effort, the symbol still remained visible from the air, leading the German tabloids and the BBC to publish aerial photographs of the site in 2000. Following the media coverage and public outrage, remnants of the swastika were completely removed in December 2000.

The original YTMND, titled OMG, Secret Nazi Forest!!, was uploaded on September 20, 2005, featuring a picture of swastika in the forest, a flashing icon of Hitler, and the German dance pop song Heute Ist Mein Tag by Blümchen.

Derivatives

In the beginning, OMG Secret Nazi YTMNDs imitated the news-article format to parody the offbeat nature of its discovery. Soon, other YTMNDs followed suit and pointed out other sightings of public swastikas and Nazi symbols, such as in a garden or on a revolving door.

Traditionally, the title of such fads takes the form “OMG, secret Nazi __________,” after the original YTMND site.

• OMG, Secret Nazi TETRIS!!
• OMG, Secret Nazi Mother in law!!!
• OMG, Secret Nazi Calculator
• OMG, Secret Communist Forest!
• OMG, Secret Islamic Night sky!
• OMG, Secret Democratic Forest!!
• Auf Wiedersehen to Secret Nazi Forest!

Popularity & Trend

Although Secret Nazi isn’t particularly active now, it’s considered a YTMND Classic.