Cross of the German mother I, II and the III class (WW2)
Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter
The purpose of the cross was to increase the birth rate in Germany. The award was established in three degrees and was given to German women who gave birth to children to pay homage to them. A bronze cross was given for giving birth to 4-5 children, a silver cross for the birth to 6-7 children and gold for 8 or more birth children. There were certain criteria for receiving this award: the parents had to be full-blooded Germans, and the mother had to be really worthy of receiving such an award.
The presentation of the cross was accompanied by a certificate, a monetary reward for each child born, and a miniature of the cross for everyday wear, and the original was carefully preserved and worn only for official occasions and ceremonies. Members of all youth organizations had to greet the owners of the Mother's cross.
The award had a brand on the back with the inscription "the Child ennobles the mother" (it. Das Kind adelt die Mutter), or instead of this inscription is the date of the award's establishment (16. Dezember 1938) with paintings.
Photo illustrative, always available.