04/29/2026
MAY CUSTOMS in GERMANY and AUSTRIA
"Alles neu macht der Mai" (May makes everything new.)
MAY DAY
This Friday is May Day! The first day of May is a legal holiday in Germany, Austria and most of the world. Known as "Tag der Arbeit" (Labor Day) in German, the USA is one of the few exceptions, not observing Labor Day on the first day of May. In Berlin, May Day is a day of noisy protest – nothing like May Day in most of Germany and Austria. But the rest of May in most of German-speaking Europe is a time for cherry blossoms, Maypoles, and other customs.
As usual, the Romans did it first. The festival of Floralia, honoring Flora, the goddess of flowering plants, ran from April 28 to May 3 and symbolized the springtime renewal of the cycle of life. Men were bedecked with flowers, the women brightly dressed during the six-day celebration that featured behavior and dress (or the lack thereof) that was normally verboten. Singing, dancing, food and drink abounded. About a month later, on May 23, it was time to celebrate Flora yet again – with the rose festival. Flora's twin sister, Fauna, was the goddess of animals and wildlife, giving us the English expression "flora and fauna".
PHOTO: An unpainted Maypole in Afritz am See, Carinthia (Kärnten), Villach Land, Austria. In many localities a Maypole is left plain, with only an evergreen decoration at the top. Credit: Naturpuur, CC-BY-4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
MAYPOLES
Germany, particularly in the southern part (Bavaria, Baden, Swabia), but not only there, has venerable Maypole traditions. But Maypole customs are also found in Austria and other parts of Europe (Finland and Sweden, but in June). But the more you learn about Maypole customs, the more you realize how complex they can be. For instance, there are strict rules for stealing a Maypole! This is a big part of the Bavarian "Maibaum" tradition.
Even before May 1st, neighboring communities and their "Burschenverein" members select a suitable tree for that year's Maypole. Later, rivalries play out in the stealing of a neighboring Maypole. But there are rules! Among the dozen or so related rules is one stating that the pole may not be cut or damaged in any way. Some communities even have so-called "Maypole police" to prevent theft and/or enforce the rules.
Small Maypoles of Love: "Liebesmaien"
Especially in smaller communities, a popular Maypole tradition involves single men who want to express their love for a young lady in the town or village. The tradition varies by location, but essentially a young man sets up a small Maypole (about 20 ft/6 m), usually made from beech trees adorned with colorful crepe paper or a large red paper heart ("Maiherz") bearing the name of the intended or a short romantic verse. Depending on local custom, the "Love Maypole" may be placed in front of a particular maiden's house, or in front of the houses of all the unmarried ladies in villages.
MAIBOCK
May and late April is also when many German breweries brew a special beer called "Maibock". Also known as “Heller Bock” (“pale bock”) or "Frühlingbock" ("spring bock"), the German-style Maibock is paler in color and more hop-centric than traditional bock beers. A lightly toasted malt character is often evident.
