A maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk festivals, particularly on May Day, or Pentecost (Whitsun) although in some countries it is instead erected at Midsummer. In some cases the maypole is a permanent feature that is only utilised during the festival, although in other cases it is erected specifically for the purpose before being taken down again. Primarily found within the nations of Germanic Europe and the neighbouring areas which they have influenced, its origins remain unknown, although it has been speculated that it originally had some importance in the Germanic paganism of Iron Age and early Medieval cultures, and that the tradition survived Christianisation, albeit losing any original meaning that it had. It has been a recorded practice in many parts of Europe throughout the Medieval and Early Modern periods, although became less popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the tradition is still observed in some parts of Europe and amongst European communities in North America.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maypole

Welcome to May

What a wonderful start into the spring! The first long weekend showed its best side and the green meadows of Butjadingen are dotted with yellow flowers (much to the dismay of the garden owners who do not like all this dandelion in their lawns!).

Our small community of Eckwarder-Altendeich was going to put up a maypole so the Lake family took their bikes in the direction of the dike, where a friendly neighbor had provided yard and grill to duly celebrate this day. However, if you wanted to eat sausages and drink beer you first had to help with the preparations! The pole was adorned with a crown and garlands, which were prepared jointly for this purpose. Baskets and bags of freshly cut boxwood were ready and had to be bound to the ropes and the metal ring of the crown by busy female hands. The man's job was to keep the ropes tight, hand over bunches of boxwood and drink beer. The leafy garlands were then decorated with home-made paper roses and in a joint effort the festive looking Maypole was erected.

Some of the neighbors had brought salads and other delicious treats which Were served up together with the first grilled bratwurst. Warm sunshine, good food and drink, chatting and laughing with friendly and open people - our neighbors ... What more could you want! Our thanks to all of you for a great day!

Wishing all of our visitors here at Am Wasser plenty of warm days in the glorious month of May!

Stephanie Lake

 

Tossens, Germany May 2012