|
Amid the chaos of World War II and under the oppressive grip of the Nazi regime, six individuals gathered on May 13, 1940, in the garden house of Dr. Eduard Ludescher (a member of the underground Frundsberg) in what is now Archengasse, Schwaz. There, they founded the Ferialverbindung "Swatensia" (Suates, Schwaz)—an act of remarkable audacity, given that student fraternities had been banned since the annexation of Austria (Anschluss) in 1938, viewed as thorn in the side of the regime (much like the Frundsberg itself). The founding members, forever tied to Frundsberg in history, were:
Their guiding principle was: “Away from the Greater German Reich—back to the old Austria.” Reflecting this (and the perilous times), Swatensia’s motto became: TACITUS • FIDELIS • FORTIS
"Blue, White, and Green: The Colors of Swatensia’s Defiance" Swatensia adopted the blue-white-green colors and the distinctive blue caps ("Insignien") of the suspended Handelsakademie-Verbindung Merkuria (a commercial academy fraternity from Innsbruck). For this reason, the caduceus (the symbol of Mercury, god of trade) still adorns the Swatensia flag, which is proudly carried at events to this day. The original ribbons were crafted by Martha Heiss, who sewed together blue fabric strips with old Schützenbänder (marksmen’s ribbons in green and white). The Fraternity’s Anthem (Burschenstrophe) (Written by Franz Marchiodi, alias Loki) "Proudly blue, the sky arches over our land of Tyrol, Brightly gleam the distant glaciers, shining far and whole, And on meadows green and golden stands our Frundsberg, strong and true, So we raise our voices boldly: Blue, white, green—Swatensia!" "The Secret Life of Swatensia: Resistance, Fusion, and Legacy" Fraternity Activities in the ShadowsThough members gathered for traditional student activities—such as tobacco colloquiums (Tabakcolloquien), beer gatherings (Bierdörfer), and drinking nights (Kneipen)—everything had to be done in strict secrecy. Uniforms were carefully hidden, and beer was smuggled to meetings in milk cans to avoid detection. In the northeast of Schwaz, where the highway access bridge now stands, there was once a small island ("Eierle") in the Inn River, connected to the shore by a footbridge. Here, in a hidden hut, the fraternity held its clandestine meetings. According to reports by Dr. Hermann Waldhart, the group even prepared anti-Nazi leaflets for distribution—a plan that was fortunately stopped in time by cautious parents, preventing severe repercussions. Post-War Revival and the Merger with Frundsberg By the end of World War II, the Frundsberg student fraternity had been weakened by years of forced inactivity—but not dissolved. As early as September 2, 1945, an application was submitted to the Allied occupation authorities for its official reinstatement, followed by new leadership elections. However, Schwaz’s post-war student population was too small to sustain two separate fraternities. Since both Swatensia and Frundsberg shared the same ideological values and a strong camaraderie, merger talks began in July 1945, culminating in Swatensia’s formal incorporation into Frundsberg on October 16, 1945. The Historic Merger Decree (Wortlaut): "By resolution of the BC (Burschenconvent) on 16.10.1945, the members of the former Swatensia Schwaz were admitted into Frundsberg. The condition that they could continue their traditions within Frundsberg was accepted. However, this also meant that with the passing of the last Swatensen, Swatensia would cease to exist." A Living Tradition To honor the merger agreement, three Frundsberg members still represent Swatensia at official events—wearing black uniforms with blue-white-green sashes—symbolizing the unbroken bond between the two fraternities. The Swatensia anthem is also sung at formal gatherings (Kommersen). When it became clear that this tradition would end with the death of the last Swatensen, a 2000 resolution ensured that three Swatensen officers would continue to appear at all major events, keeping the memory of these courageous brothers alive. <Franz Marchiodi (alias Dr. cer. Loki), the last Swatensen and Frundsberger in Schwaz, passed away on February 27, 2024.> This is why, at official occasions in Schwaz, one still sees students in black (former Swatensen) and burgundy (Frundsberg)—a visual tribute to their shared history. Rebuilding After the War The Swatensen, due to their younger age, became the backbone of Frundsberg’s post-war revival, ensuring a full resurgence of fraternity life by 1945/46. However, the fraternity also scrutinized members’ conduct during the Nazi era. Former officers were summoned to justify their actions, and some were permanently expelled due to their past affiliations. Key Figures of Swatensia & Frundsberg:
 Obituary in: Private Archive of Manfred Kuhl, D-53111 Bonn, Germany.
0 Comments
|
Author
|
RSS Feed