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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