Meyboom

This page has been automatically translated from French into English by a translation software. Automatic translations are not as accurate as translations made by professional human translators. Nevertheless these pages can help you understand information published by the City of Brussels.

   

The history of the Meyboom can be traced back until 1213. The Brussels, who were celebrating a marriage at the time, came under attack of Gent but managed to win the battle. After the fight, the duke of Brabant allowed the Brussels to have their own guild of crossbowmen.

Versions of the Meyboom

Another version of the Meyboom story links Louvain to the fight against Gent. A 3rd version even opposes Louvain to Brussels. In short: there are lots of versions and no-one manages to keep fact and fiction apart.

Plantation on 9 August

Some parts of the stories are however undeniable facts. The plantation always takes place on 9 August, on the eve of Saint-Lawrence. The event is organized by the Companions of Saint-Lawrence, who call themselves the heirs of an old company. That company was also part of the Guild of Crossbowmen of Our-Lady, a guild that was responsible for the chapel and the hospital of Saint-Lawrence, located in the street with the same name. In the 16th and 17th century the duke also allowed to chop a Meyboom in the Soignes Wood, a part which now lays in the Bois de Cambre.

A history of rivalry

The rivalry between Brussels and Louvain certainly played an important role in the history of the Meyboom. The Brussels had to plant the Meyboom before 5 pm every time, otherwise the privilege of planting the tree would go to Louvain. In 1939 people from Louvain stole the Meyboom tree, but the Brussels chopped another tree and planted it just in time.

Evolution of folklore

The tradition of the Meyboom has been renewed since the founding of the Company of Saint-Lawrence in 1880. The popular district east of the Rue du Marais was also demolished in the 20th century. But long after the district was gone, its spirit still lived on. The plantation of the Meyboom became a tradition to commemorate this district. Now, the event still changes a little bit every year. The 'Poepedroegers' (who carry the giants) and the 'Buumdroegers' (who carry the tree) are in good companionship of the 'gardevils', who protect the parade that precedes the plantation.

• Photo album Meyboom 2010

ON THE AGENDA : Folklore. Plantation of the Meyboom