What is Maibaum in Germany?

In Germany and Austria the maypole (or Maibaum) is a tradition going back to the 16th century. It is a decorated tree or tree trunk that is usually erected either on 1 May – in Baden and Swabia – or on the evening before, for example, in East Frisia.

Is the May pole German?

In Germany, May 1 is the day to celebrate the changing seasons. Every year, on May Day, communities across Southern Germany gather to erect the Maypole — “Maibaum” in German. This tradition is done by manpower alone.

What is a Maibaum and what does it look like?

Rural communities often celebrate the first day of May by putting on a fest and raising a “Maibaum,” a Maypole. This is a tall wooden pole made from a tree trunk (pine or birch), adorned with colorful ribbons, flowers, carved figures, and various other decorations, depending on regional customs.

Where are Maibaum?

You’ll find Maibaum celebrations throughout Bavaria and other parts of Germany, and even countries further afield, including parts of Austria, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Local forest owners will provide the maypole, which is typically between 18 and 30 metres tall.

How tall is a Maibaum?

How big is the Maibaum? Most are anywhere between 18 to 30 meters tall, which is why it requires around a dozen men to hoist it up!

What is Bonn Maibaum?

For hundreds of years in this region around Cologne, Bonn and Aachen, young men have traditionally placed a so-called Maibaum or decorated birch tree in their beloved’s yard in the night before May 1st. Baldus estimates that over half of the young women in Zons get May trees.

Is Maypole dancing Pagan?

The Pagan Approach Today, many pagans include a maypole dance as part of their Beltane festivities. Most lack the space for a full-fledged maypole but still manage to incorporate the dance into their celebrations.

Is Maypole dancing banned?

When was maypole dancing banned? The Protestant Reformation put an abrupt end to the drinking and dancing that accompanied May Day in the Middle Ages. In 1644 maypoles were banned altogether in an Act of Parliament under the 17th century Protectorship of Oliver Cromwell.

What does the ribbons around the maypole stand for?

Originally, the maypole was a living tree. Over time it usually became a tree trunk of the correct height, age, and type (usually pine or birch). Some say that the tree represented masculine energy, and the ribbons and floral garlands that adorned it represented feminine energy.

What did the maypole represent?

The Meaning of the Maypole Originally, the maypole was a living tree. Over time it usually became a tree trunk of the correct height, age, and type (usually pine or birch). Some say that the tree represented masculine energy, and the ribbons and floral garlands that adorned it represented feminine energy.

What does a maypole symbolize?

What the maypole purportedly represents is a contentious issue. It is said to be representative of the axis mundi — or world centre — where the sky and the earth connect and four cardinal directions meet. It has also been interpreted as a phallic symbol because of pagan fertility rites.