Raising the Maypole
On May 1st (sometimes on the first Sunday in May), maypoles, sometimes as high as 15 m (50 ft), are erected in village squares and at country inns.
maypole
The actual lifting of the huge pole into a secure shaft in the ground is no easy matter and calls for over a couple dozen Lederhosen-clad men, each armed with two long rods tied together with rope at one end. The sticks are used to lift the maypole higher and higher, and during the compulsory beer-drinking breaks, to support it in mid-air.
Silk handkerchiefs and food are often suspended at the maypole's summit as a reward to the boys who compete against each other, attempting to shinny their way up to the top. Courtship dances often follow the festive raising of the maypole.
Beer gardens are often permanently landmarked by a maypole and frequently decorated with symbols 'advertising' the various trades and businesses found in that particular village or neighborhood.
Wednesday, 08. October 2008
