Introduction
One of the oldest illustrations of a maypole was made in 1590. It can be seen on a fresco by Hans Donauer in the Antiquarium of the "Münchner Residenz". The fresco shows Lake Starnberg and a castle. Beside the castle a maypole is depicted with double sided tillers for the emblems.

Erecting a maypole was not unique to Bavaria or to the Alpine region, but occurred in nearly all other European countries. The tradition reaches from gesteckten Maien to May dances around a decorated pole which was put up in a village square. Erecting a maypole must follow certain rules and is accompanied by traditional customs which are explained below. There are regional peculiarities which are beyond the scope of this general article.



History
In the 16th century erecting a white and blue painted maypole became a tradition in Bavaria. Later, in the 18th century, symbols and shields of different worker's guilds were added to the pole.
Erecting a maypole is a community enterprise. This can take the form of local clubs and groups of unmarried boys and girls. Normally, these groups choose a Maibaumchef or Maypole Leader, usually a farmer, joiner or carpenter, who knows about wood and woodworking tools.
Work is traditionally divided between the men and women. Men take care of choosing, cutting down and transporting the tree pole, while young women are responsible for the garlands, collecting donations and other decorations.
The selection of the tree is important; it has to have a height of at least 30 meters (100 feet) and must be bolted upright. To cut the tree down requires care and concentration to avoid damage. Usually it is donated by a local farmer or a club in the village. For transport a decorated horse-drawn wagon was used but today a tractor is common. The boys and girls arrive together in the village with the tree, where the residents wait for them together with a brass band.
Before erecting the maypole the tree must be prepared. First, the branches and the bark are removed. Then tree gets a wash with hot water and if necessary it is planed to the desired shape. To work more effectively, the tree is put on bevels. If they are going to paint the trunk, they take the tree into a factory hall or a repair shop. Traffic is normally blocked in the city where the Maypole is to be set up on the 1st of May.

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