In the heart of the Viktualienmarkt in Munich stands this tall, decorative “tree.” I saw a few of these throughout Bavaria and thought they were interesting. I don’t know if this is the so-called “May tree,” but I can’t find anything else to explain it. Maybe one of my readers will know and can enlighten me in the comments?

According to what I’ve read online, t,he May tree is one of the most popular traditions in Bavaria. This custom dates back to the 16th century and has been a symbol for national identity in Bavarian villages since the 18th century.

Anyone walking through Bavarian villages will probably be very familiar with the image of the maypole. Tall, straight tree trunks with no branches at all are a permanent fixture in Bavarian tradition. The maypoles used to be felled during Walpurgis Night or on the morning of 1 May.

Today, this is done much earlier so that the tree can still be festively decorated.

Traditionally it is painted in the colours of the coat of arms, blue and white, and the treetop is decorated with a green wreath. However, the maypole may look different in every region. In some places it is raised with the bark still on, in others this is removed.

Some trees have colourful ribbons hung on them instead of the blue and white painting, others are decorated with carved figures and decorative signs. Whatever it’s like, the appearance plays a major part everywhere: villages compete every year to see who has the tallest and most magnificent maypole.

Other states, other customs – Bavaria is not the only state where traditions have formed around the maypole. The maypole is used as a custom for love in Cologne, Aachen and Bonn. Single men place a maypole in front of the houses of their sweethearts, carve their names into the tree and pick it up again a month later. In return they receive an invitation to dinner, a crate of beer or in extremely lucky cases, a kiss! Our Scandinavian neighbours are also famous for their festively decorated trees for their Midsummer Festival. Regardless of where and for what occasion the maypole is being used, it always ensures a happy moment.

Please enlighten me if you know more! Danke!