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April 30, 2010

Old country festival comes to Cullman

By Tiffany Green The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — Cullman’s Christ Lutheran Church will hold its first Maifest on Saturday with a cookout and games and fun for the entire family. Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with the putting up of the Maifest pole, then followed by food and drinks.

Peter Voltz, a member of the church counsel moved to Cullman eight years ago to work at Rehau and wanted to begin this tradition here.

“Maifest is a very old German tradition and because of Cullman's German heritage the church thought it would fit to get involved and do likewise,” he said.

Maifest is one of mankind’s oldest tradition’s, it is the celebration of nature’s bright reawakening after winter's cold darkness.

“We were looking for something unique,” he said. “We celebrate Oktoberfest and wanted to start another German tradition in the Spring.”

The ancient pagan festival later took on Christian religious significance but is now a colorful, joyous part of history and culture, Voltz explained.

“It is a Spring festival,” he said. “Winter is over and spring has settled in and everything’s in bloom.”

Voltz said in Germany, a special beer is brewed just for the festival, but of course here they will celebrate with soft drinks instead.

The custom of the maypole began in the 10th century, when villagers would erect a pole in the local square and decorate it with sausages, cakes and multicolored ribbons. Dancing around the maypole, medieval citizens believed, would bring good luck and wealth.

Its religious and superstitious aspects have long since disappeared, but Maifest is still celebrated throughout Germany, where cities and villages are decorated with colorful drapery and flowers. Some areas light bonfires, while others elect May kings and most retain the maypole.

In many villages throughout Germany, people can also observe the Maibaum (Maypole). The Maibaum may be officially erected in the market place, in front of city hall or some other prominent spot in town. Often colorful carved shingles or signs decorate the Maypole and indicate the town's various trades and professions. It may be up the entire month of May, or even longer. The Maypole and the dance around it is a singular symbol of spring's reawakening of fruitfulness. In some areas a whole village may gather around a Maypole to hold hands, dance, sing and drink.

“Everybody is welcome to attend,” he said.

Voltz is hoping to make the event an annual tradition for the church.

Christ Lutheran Church will have a cookout at the church serving German Bratwurst and burgers. The church is located at 424 Second Ave. SE. There will be games and fun for the kids. The highlight of the day will be the erection of the maypole.



* Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.

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