The timing for this was crucial, but I did not know this when I went. You see, I am very used to our British customs, and it was lovely to see something different in a different city.
Explain.
On May the first- may day morning, when the fair British maidens go out to wash their faces in the dew, to ensure a good complexion for the following year, young Bonn maidens are eagerly looking out of their doors and windows hoping to see a tree! Not just any tree, but a birch tree, bedecked with ribbons, set up overnight by their boyfriend, or occasionally, trees by their would-be boyfriends!So, on May the first, walking round Bonn, you see...
I think this is a lovely custom, though I am sorry for the trees, which have been cut off and will wilt and die over the month, but the trees are very pretty.
As well as that I had an amazing time being taken great care of by my dear friend, and her daughter, and monopolising her sewing machine, so that she hardly got a look in, I got fed and entertained, and we had laughter and chatting and whatever... It was good!
Thank you for my long weekend! and for letting me see this lovely custom.
Interesting though- a similar tradition holds in parts or Ireland, but there the May bush is more a community thing, for the luck of the local area..
3 comments:
Interesting custom, but as you say, shame about the trees!
Really it is no shame at all, because you need to cut off trees to keep the forest healthy. It is not like there are big forests of birches and they cut everyone off...
Thank you dear for coming; I love to spend time with you!
Really it is no shame at all, because you need to cut off trees to keep the forest healthy. It is not like there are big forests of birches and they cut everyone off...
Thank you dear for coming; I love to spend time with you!
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