May

In the this part of Germany the first of May is a holiday which is also known as: "Tag des Bekenntnisses zu Freiheit und Frieden, sozialer Gerechtigkeit, Völkerversöhnung und Menschenwürde". Get that!

Behind this voluptuous phrase a mulitude of events take place. The mandatory demonstrations of the workers result in riots, followed by the inevitable clash with the police.

However this day also has a more peaceful aspect. In the north of Nordrhein-Westphalen young men get a hold of a small birch tree (mostly by stealing), and decorate it with coloured ribbons. This results in wonderfull sights like this:


The tree is then placed in front of the house of your beloved. Three trees means you get married (I don't suspect, that they take that last part very seriously).

So while the police is preparing for the big battle with the protestors, young men with open hearts drive ornamented birches trough town.