The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

ON MAY DAY, MAY FIRST, WE DECORATE OUR HOMES WITH BIRCH BRANCHES.
EACH TOWN IN GERMANY IS REPRESENTED BY A CERTAIN COLOR. WE MAKE
BOUQUETS WITH THESE BRANCHES, AND COLORED RIBBONS ARE TIED AROUND
EACH BRANCH TO REPRESENT THE TOWN. THE YOUNG BOYS TRY TO
CLIMB UP A GREASED MAYPOLE AND TRY TO GET A SAUSAGE WHICH IS WAITING
AT THE TOP OF THE POLE.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT TOLD ME SHE USED TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS HOLIDAY WHEN
SHE WAS A CHILD IN GERMANY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 02-00-1982