Pentecost is an important religious festival in this country. It is accompanied by different customs. In some regions of the country, the so-called birch cutting is still part of it today. It has strong similarities to the love mais and also has love as its driving force.
What does the birch tree that stands in front of a door mean on Pentecost?
A man who is in love with a girl cuts down a young birch tree on Pentecost and secretly places it in front of her door tosymbolicallyexpress hislove The beloved tries to find out who the admirer is - a possible happy ending cannot be ruled out!
Where is the custom with the Pentecost birch practiced?
The custom of setting up a birch tree at Pentecost as a token of love is practiced in Germanyin several regions. But it is most widespread inLower Saxony. It is also sometimes known as birch setting or May setting.
How is the birch traditionally decorated?
The young birch tree in spring is beautiful in itself because it already has leaves and has already bloomed. This makes it an apt symbol of blossoming love. After it has been beaten, additional longcolorful crepe ribbons are often attached to it or wrapped around the trunk. The following applies: the more magnificently decorated the birch tree is, the more intense the love should be.
When and how is the birch “planted”?
The birch tree is “planted” for the beloved on theNight of Pentecost Sunday, where she lives. This is handled differently from region to region. The birch that was freshly felled during the night is, among other things:
- only ajar
- symbolically implanted
- placed on the gutter
- or nailed to a house beam
In some places the birch tree is not in front of the door, but in front of the window.
Do Pentecost birches have any further meaning?
The young birch tree is not only used as a token of love. In some areas it is also placed in front of the houses of particularly respected citizens. In some regions, the tradition of the Maypole is practiced at Pentecost by setting up abirch tree as a Pentecost tree. Birch green is generally popular decoration for houses, churches and inns on these holidays.
Where does the custom with the birch tree at Pentecost come from?
The origin of the custom cannot be completely traced. What is certain is that it goes back at leastto the time of Christianization and has been practiced in several Central European and Nordic countries for centuries. It may be a remnant of pagan customs.
Tip
Don't get birch green from the nearby forest
The nearby forest is the most common source for “sourcing” a young birch tree for Pentecost customs. But this is expressly prohibited by law for many state forests in order to prevent forest damage. You are safe from reprisals if you buy the birch tree from a tree nursery.