Symbol of German natural heritage

The German military march 'Erika' (or 'Auf der Heide blüht ein kleines Blümelein'), composed by Hems Niel sometime in the early 1930s (the exact year of the song's origin is not known).
The theme of the song is based on "Erika" being both a common German female first name and the name of the heather plant (German: Heide, Erika; Latin: Erica), of which the heather-yards are considered as a "symbol of German natural heritage".

"On the heath, there blooms a little flower
and it's called Erika.
Eagerly doted on by a hundred thousand little bees,
this Erika.
For her heart is full of sweetness,
a tender scent escapes her dress of blossoms.
On the heath, there blooms a little flower
and it's called Erika.
Back at home, there lives a maiden
and she's called Erika.
That girl is my faithful little darling
and my happiness. Erika!
When the heather blooms in a reddish purple,
I sing her this song in greeting.
On the heath, there blooms a little flower
and it's called Erika.
In my small chamber, there also blooms a little flower
and it's called Erika.
At dawn, it looks at me,
as does it at dusk. Erika!
And it is as if it spoke aloud:
"Don't you dare forget your little bride.
Back at home, a maiden weeps for you
and she's called Erika."

Posted in: Anti Zog Media,Europe,WW2