In Germany, the Maibaum, or May pole, as depicted here in Scharnhausen, is typically set up at the market place during the morning hours on May 1. It remains there throughout the month of May. The Maibaum is either a birch or spruce tree or an oak tree trunk with a green crown that symbolizes fertility of nature and new life. Photo by Shutterstock. May traditions in Germany usher warmer weather 2011-05-05 A Maibaum is set up in the center of a town in cities throughout Germany May 1. Read More