Maibaum (Maypole) – Austrian Traditions

You might come across these while visiting most German countries around May. They are called “Maibaum” which, although is commonly known as a Maypole in English, directly translates to May Tree. A part of Austrian traditions, there are loads of different speculations as to the symbolism and origins of these which can be read up on Wikipedia. But I’ll let you know my version, which I learned from my family.

Men, who want to marry a certain girl of their choice, have to climb it and I think had to take one of the ribbons at the top (don’t try this ;P)?!? Of course, this is only our version and I haven’t heard it anywhere else, I guess it would be dangerous and so NOT at all advisable.

Well, love is tough and in Austria especially it seems that the guys have a hard time proving their love and asking for their girl’s hand in marriage. Another tradition is to bring a very rare flower, the national flower of Austria, in fact, which only can be found at very high altitudes (the Edelweiss). Because they are so difficult to come across they actually are considered endangered and it is therefore forbidden to pick them.

So, what is the moral of the story? It’s hard to prove your love in Austria and now also forbidden, so maybe it’s better to take the girl of your choice on a nice date instead, at least that way you’re not likely to injure yourself ;D