How great is the joy when the shell of a building is finished and the roof structure is in place. Then the topping out ceremony is celebrated – of course not without an accompanying tree. We'll tell you the meaning of the topping-out tree and give you tips on how to decorate it correctly.
Richting tree in tradition
For generations, the completion of the shell and the roof structure has been celebrated with a topping-out ceremony. The builder provides a guide tree for this purpose. The carpenters then attach it to the roof ridge and everyone involved in the construction as well as friends, relatives and the new neighbors are invited to a topping-out ceremony.
The top tree is in most cases a young, not very large conifer. Spruce trees are particularly popular for this. However, birch trees are now also often used.
Trees symbolize
- Fertility
- Life
- Growth
- Stability
Note:
The Richtbaum is intended to give the residents a he althy, happy life.
Topping-out crown
As an alternative to the topping-out tree, a topping-out crown or wreath can be used. The wreath made of straw or conifer branches is hung on a scaffold with several ribbons. The straightening crown is similar to the harvesting crown.
The speech at the topping-out ceremony
Usually the topping out ceremony is celebrated during working hours so that construction workers, craftsmen and carpenters can take part. The foreman gives the speech. Traditional carpentry sayings express gratitude to those involved and ask for luck and God's blessing for the residents of the house. After the speech, the speaker drinks a glass of wine, champagne or schnapps and throws the empty glass from the roof.
Note:
If the glass on the ground shatters, it means happiness and satisfaction for the homeowners. If it stays intact, it is considered a bad sign.
After the topping out, the builder hammers in the last nail.
Decorate the top tree
You can decorate the topping off tree in different ways. While traditional jewelry used to take precedence, today creative ideas are often implemented.
1. traditional with colorful ribbons
Meaning: Carpenters on the Walz had colorful cloths with them in which they wrapped their food and their few belongings. The colorful ribbons that decorate the topping-out tree are a symbol of the colorful cloths.
2. small liquor bottles
Meaning: When there were many problems on the construction site, the carpenters choose small liquor bottles to decorate the topping-out tree.
3. Pegs
Meaning: Pegs on the topping tree were considered a sign that the builder was very stingy and had measured the topping off too tightly.
4. Baby shoes
Meaning: If a baby has just been born or is about to give birth, the topping tree can also be decorated with baby shoes, rattles, pacifiers, etc.
5. work-related accessories
Accessories that indicate the builder's profession are often tied to the tree. For a hairdresser it could be scissors, for a cook it could be soup ladles.
Prefabricated houses and flat roof houses
For buildings with a flat roof, a so-called “ceiling festival” is celebrated instead of the topping-out ceremony.
Whether to be invited to the topping-out ceremony when a prefabricated house is being built is at the builder's discretion. In this case, however, the tree is difficult to place and “real carpenters” were not involved. There is often a nice celebration when the prefabricated house is built.
Frequently asked questions
What materials are the ribbons for the traditional tree decoration made from?
You can buy colorful ribbons ready-made at the craft store or make them yourself. Fabric or crepe paper are suitable.
How long does the top tree stay on the roof?
It's your decision. Apparently some people leave the top tree on the roof for several years. Finally, there is a superstition that removing the judgment tree brings bad luck. Usually the homeowners are less superstitious and take the tree off the roof after a few weeks or at the latest when moving in.
How do you invite people to the topping-out ceremony?
You can find numerous templates for invitation cards that you can design yourself on the Internet. They often have the caption “Almost Done!” and pictures of almost finished houses. Alternatively, there are templates for sending by email.
What do you give at the topping-out ceremony?
Traditionally, bread and s alt are served at the topping-out ceremony. Bread symbolizes “our daily bread,” while s alt has been considered a treasure for centuries. The gift is often accompanied by the saying “Bread and s alt, God preserves it”.
Alternatively, the new homeowners are happy about everything that can be used in the house and garden. Garden plants or tools are possible, for example. Traditionally, doormats and key racks are also given away.
