Dance into May 2025: What's the Maypole all about?

A long, narrow trunk stretches into the sky. It's completely bare, with only a few branches remaining at the very top. Colorful crepe ribbons flutter in the wind. On May 1st, maypoles are traditionally erected in many parts of Germany. What's the story behind them?

Maypoles are huge, decorated birch or coniferous trees. They are erected either on May 1st or Pentecost. They are meant to welcome spring and ward off evil spirits. How a maypole is decorated, what kind of tree it is, and what events accompany its erection vary from region to region, sometimes even from neighboring village to neighboring village. Roughly speaking, conifers are more common in Bavaria, while northern and central Germany generally prefer birch.

What these trees have in common is that they are all enormous. In the Rhineland, maypoles can reach up to 40 meters tall; in Bavaria, some even reach 56 meters. The tree is decorated—depending on the region, with colorful crepe ribbons or garlands—and placed in a central location. The maypole is not always freshly felled; sometimes the trunk is used for several years. Only the crown is replaced.

Maypole stealing isn't usually theft in the traditional sense. It's not about making a profit, but rather playing a prank. It's part of the game. There are a few rules, however: The tree may not be stolen from the forest. That would be considered theft and could be reported.

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However, if the tree has already been felled and is in the village, many consider the theft a custom. In other places, clubs or groups are only allowed to steal other people's maypoles – not those from their own village. Another rule from Bavaria states that a maypole may only be stolen on Walpurgis Night, the night before May 1st.

When a tree is considered stolen and when not varies from town to town. In East Frisia, one of the watchmen must always keep a hand on the tree. If the opponents manage to distract the watchman to the point where they neglect their duty, the tree is considered stolen. A rule from Bavaria states that thieves must first cross the municipal boundaries. If they are caught beforehand, they must return the tree.

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However, when stealing, the following applies: The decorations and the belongings of the maypole owners must remain intact. Otherwise, it is considered vandalism. The trunk may not be sawn into pieces to facilitate transport. If the maypole is successfully stolen, ransom is paid. The thieves exchange beer or a snack for the tree.

At first, nothing. Setting up and stealing maypoles is traditionally a man's job. However, in some regions, there's a custom for men to place a miniature maypole in their beloved's front yard. This at least indirectly brings her into play. The miniature maypole is also decorated with masking tape, but significantly smaller than the original. It's set up on the night before May 1st.

A tradition that originated in the 17th century. Back then, however, the idea was to encourage young people within the village to marry. Today, the maypole setting is more like a rose for Valentine's Day – only a little more elaborate. A symbolic gesture to express feelings.