District Homepage          |         High School Homepage

EHS German students take part in Maibaum tradition
story by Frau Strohl

In Germany and Austria the maypole or Maibaum is a tradition going back to the 16th century. In most areas, especially in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Austria, it is usual to have a ceremony to erect the maypole on the village green. This tradition is especially strong in the villages of the Bavarian Alps where the raising of the traditional maypole on May 1st in the village square is a cause for much celebration. The pole is usually painted in the Bavarian colors of white and blue and decorated with emblems depicting local crafts and industry.

EHS German students have been honoring this tradition for many years as they dance around the Maibaum on May 1 (or as close as possible dictated by the weather). It is imperative to do the dance under a beautiful blue and white sky to match the ribbons for the German state of Bavaria. Dancing around the Maibaum is a tradition German students look forward to as they celebrate spring, get to go outside and take a break from the classroom.