Subj : Meyboom
To   : All
From : Mike Dippel
Date : Mon Aug 10 2026 00:09:54

August 9

One of the oldest folk traditions in Belgium, Meyboom is an amalgamation of Belgian 
folklore, patron-saint celebration, and traditional neighborhood rivalry. 

In 2008, the people of Belgium observed the 700th anniversary of the festival. 

As in centuries past, the event was marked with a procession of giant puppets and the 
planting of a meyboom (Dutch for "may tree').

The legend is told by a local fraternity known as the Brotherhood of Saint-Laurent's 
Companions. In 1213 a wedding party was attacked by marauders from the village of 
Leuven, located about 20 miles east of the capital city, Brussels. 

A group of archers came to the victims' rescue, and in reward, the duke gave them 
permission to plant a maypole on the eve of their patron saint's feast day, St. Laurent.

The first celebration took place in 1208.

Today, in keeping with tradition established by the Brotherhood, a young tree is planted 
on the corner of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais in Brussels. 

Before the official planting, a throng of merrymakers gathers for the tree's presentation 
at Place des Sablons. 

Then a procession of trumpeters and costumed giants accompanies the tree to its final 
destination. 

Time is of the essence, since according to custom, if the meyboom is not planted by 
5:00 p.m. the city will be cursed and the good fortune destined for the locals will be 
transferred instead to the people of Leuven.

Full story:
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Meyboom
 
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