Germans to erect 46,000 maypoles this spring

According to estimates by the German Woodworking Association, people will put some 35,000 colourfully-decorated birch trees and branches before the windows of those they love around Germany. Another 11,000 additional decorated trees will be erected in public plazas across the country to ring in the month of May.

The German maypole, or Maibaum, tradition dates back to the 13th century, when birches were widely recognised as symbols of spring and fertility.

Particularly in the most southern and northern parts of Germany, men would surprise their sweethearts the morning of May 1 with a birch tree as a token of their affection.