Meyboom

Origins and legends

Folklore traces the celebration back to 1213, when a dispute erupted between Brussels and Leuven over beer taxation. Members of the St Lawrence guild defended Brussels residents during an ambush at a tavern wedding. In recognition of their courage, the Duke of Brabant granted them permission to erect a tree of joy symbolizing youth and fertility on the eve of their patron saint's feast day. Although historical records first explicitly mention the planting in 1579, tradition asserts that the privilege was first carried out in 1308. Other historical explanations suggest ties to regional political alliances or aristocratic weddings.

The day of the pageant

Preparations begin early on 9 August in the Ter Kamerenbos woods, where a beech weighing at least 600 kilograms is felled. Tree carriers known as Bûûmdroegers shoulder the trunk and carry it through several districts towards the city centre. They are joined by marching bands, puppet handlers carrying giant figures, cart pushers, and women handing out flowers and branches for good luck. In the afternoon, the parade stops at the Grand-Place to show the tree to civic authorities, before moving towards the corner of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais.

The race against the clock

A strict deadline governs the final planting: the tree must stand firmly in its pit before five in the afternoon. According to tradition, missing this cutoff would grant victory to Leuven in their long-running municipal rivalry. Once the beech is erected, a climber ascends the trunk to fasten the national flag, while musicians play traditional melodies and the Belgian anthem. The tree remains in place overnight, and the successful completion of the ritual is marked by festivities across the neighbourhood until morning.

Rivalry and preservation

The friendly dispute with Leuven turned tangible in the twentieth century. In 1939 and again in 1974, groups from Leuven attempted to sabotage the custom by taking the designated tree. In 1974, Leuven participants successfully felled the chosen trunk overnight, prompting Brussels to quickly cut another; both cities have since claimed to plant the authentic Meyboom. The tradition persevered through wars and urban redevelopment, earning recognition from UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage masterpiece.

How Meyboom is kept

On the morning of 9 August, guild members cut a leafy beech tree in the woods and carry it towards central Brussels. Accompanied by giant puppets, guards, brass musicians, and flower distributors, the procession visits several neighbourhoods before arriving at the Grand-Place in the early afternoon. After presenting the tree to city leaders, participants carry it to the intersection of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais. Bearers must secure the tree into a special ground pit before five o'clock, raising the Belgian flag atop it to declare victory and initiate an all-night celebration.

When and where

The ceremony takes place each year on 9 August, which is the eve of the feast of Saint Lawrence. The timing of the procession follows a precise schedule throughout the day, strictly requiring the tree to be planted before five in the afternoon.

The festival unfolds in Brussels, Belgium. The procession travels from the Ter Kamerenbos through Saint-Josse-ten-Noode and Schaerbeek to the Grand-Place, concluding at the crossing of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais in the historic lower town.

What Meyboom means

The Meyboom, translated as the tree of joy, represents vitality, youth, and renewal. Handing out small twigs and blossoms along the parade route is believed to bring fortune to local residents for the upcoming year. Erecting the tree also honours the ancient guild of Saint Lawrence and defends civic pride against the neighbouring town of Leuven.

Questions people ask about Meyboom

See also

Festivity of Saint BlaiseAn annual patron saint festival in Dubrovnik with processions, relics and dovesCandlemasA Christian feast of candle blessings marking the end of the Christmas seasonMid-Autumn FestivalAn annual harvest festival celebrating family reunions, full moons and mooncakesMardi GrasA festive day of parades and rich foods marking the final celebration before the Christian fasting season of Lent begins

Good reading and sources

• Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and FranceUNESCO, Heritage listing
• Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and FranceUNESCO, Article

• Meyboom on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.