!!!Maibräuche

May Customs. According to long-established traditions the night 
between April 30 and May 1 is called "Unruhnacht" (Night of unrest) ( 
Burschenschaft). During the night, secret amours are made public 
("Maisteig") and piles of junk are put in front of the doors of 
unpopular members of the community. All over Austria maypoles and "may 
plaques" are set up and decorated with wreaths and ribbons. Originally 
they served as a mark of respect for girls or venerable members of the 
community. The first documented mention of such maypoles dates from 
1466. This custom was forbidden during the 17%%sup th/%  century but 
re-introduced in the 19%%sup th/%  century. Customs and entertainments 
connected with the maypole have ever since included pole climbing 
competitions or the practice of stealing the maypoles from 
neighbouring villages. The law regards the stealing of the already 
decorated maypole as a custom, if it is brought back in time and in 
full splendour. However, it is considered a penal offence to cut down 
the maypole after it has already been set up in its official place. To 
prevent the maypole from being stolen, boys guard it at night. During 
the Middle Ages the maypole was considered a legal symbol (at fairs 
and other celebrations); later it became a mark of respect for girls 
and has only been regarded as a symbol of village communities since 
the period of the Nazi regime.


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