The Maypole and May branches with fresh green embody the growth spirit which is supposed to bring health and fertility. In many calendars May 1 was celebrated as the beginning of the summer season.

In many places you can still today see the people setting up the Maypole on the eve of April 30 or in the morning of May 1. This is regarded as a symbol of health and growth of the whole village by the youth. If another village succeeds in sawing off or stealing it this dishonours the whole village and they cannot plant another Maypole for seven years.