Maypole Mania: From Brussels to the Zugspitze
Wooden pole relocated from Brussels to Zugspitze mountains. - Train Traveler from Brussels Heading to Destination via Train
Embrace the night before May 1st under the shroud of ancient customs: Before fresh Maypoles sprout, countless towns keep vigil through the darkest hours. The daring pilferage of the would-be tree from neighboring villages is just part of the charm. From Bavaria to Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland, and even the far north, preparations are underway for the erection of the annual Maypole.
The village bash, complete with the risqué unveiling of the new tree, is the star attraction. This exuberant event is usually adorned with colorful costumes, echoing brass tunes, an abundance of grub, and spirits of all kinds. At times, it even includes dances dedicated to May. There's more than just the thrill to this celebration; it's also a wise insurance move. Even the mighty Maypole, over time, can succumb to the march of time, leading to a necessary replacement by the "Maypole safety inspectors."
So, how do they get that tree ready for its grand entrance? Sometimes, the search for the perfect pine begins months in advance, deep among the forest's embrace. The ideal tree must measure at least 20 to 30 meters in height. Once felled, the bark is stripped away, leaving a towering presence that is either left natural or painted with distinctive white and blue rings. With muscle power and makeshift stakes, it's hoisted upright in a classic, labor-intensive display of strength.
What's the deal with these late-night guards? They aren't keeping watch for salacious activities; they're protecting the would-be Maypole from invasive neighbors eager to snag a piece of the action. These surreptitious guardians station themselves in hidden locales, keeping a vigil until the sun emerges on May Day. The irony is that these would-be thieves must use heavy equipment, sacrificing subtlety, as the trees often weigh hundreds of kilograms. Successful theft relies on stepping beyond the town's borders, an obstacle thwarting many an ambitious heist.
Tracing the Maypole custom back to its origins is like trying to capture smoke in a net. Some theorize it stems from ancient fertility rituals and Celtic tree cults. However, a proven link to today's Maypole remains elusive. Skeptics propose the connection to love maidens: unmarried lads marking the home of their cherished ones with smaller trees, festooned with vibrant ribbons. Written records documenting the Maypole tradition can be traced back to the Baroque era.
The Brussels Maypole has stood tall since 2008, and it has already experienced its fair share of drama. In 2018, "its" tree was spectacularly pillaged, a publicity stunt that mirrored the achievements of Bavaria's own Markus Söder, who, at the time, held the position of European Minister. As a nod to this controversial tradition, a Brussels representation in Bavaria plans to unveil its Maypole on May 20th this year.
At the peak of the magnificent Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, a Maypole shall rise once more. Last year, the tree was dare I say, "modest," standing just 18 meters tall due to the constraints of the rack railway transport wagon.
As for the fate of the dethroned Maypole, it seldom faces a dire end. Frequently, it becomes a garden bench, or, if left unornamented, it is cut into pieces and auctioned off as a culinary serving board. Otherwise, it is transformed into firewood to keep the traditions alive.
- The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a Regulation on the application of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of employment, aiming to ensure that everyone, even those who spend their nights guarding Maypoles, are treated fairly.
- In the heart of Württemberg, one might find a home-and-garden enthusiast who has repurposed a Maypole into a unique, one-of-a-kind serving board, lovingly carved with intricate designs and modes of fertility dances.
- As part of a healthy lifestyle, some medical professionals advise against consuming excessive amounts of grub and spirits during maypole festivals, citing the potential negative impact on fertility and overall well-being.
- In the spirit of equal treatment, women in Brussels may start their own tradition of pilfering Maypoles from neighboring villages, demonstrating their strength and agility, leveraging heavy machinery, just like their male counterparts, to bring the festive tree home.
