Unmarried men from Noorbeek, also called the youth, cut a ‘may-den’ on Saturday in the Vijlenerbos. The custom is part of an age-old tradition that takes place annually in the spring.
The pine was cut down in Vijlen on Saturday morning around 7:00 am.
No permission
For a moment it seemed that an age-old tradition in the Heuvelland had been turned upside down. Staatsbosbeheer did not give permission for the felling of a pine tree. According to the organization, the youth did not fulfill certain agreements. A private owner of a piece of forest in Vijlen did give permission to cut a tree in his own forest.
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Age-old tradition
Several villages in South Limburg celebrate this age-old tradition. In some villages this is around Easter or Pentecost. With about twenty decorated horses and a wooden cart, the youth of Noorbeek brings the pine from Vijlen to their own village. The tree will be placed in front of the church on Saturday evening.
Saint Brigida
The tradition goes back to the seventeenth century. In most villages in South Limburg that celebrate this day, the May is central to hoping for a good harvest. “It is a bit different in Noorbeek,” says pastor Paul Tervoort. “Here we honor Saint Brigida, who helped Noorbeek with a cattle disease in the seventeenth century. In return we honor her every year with a girl”.
Irish descent
Governor Emile Roemer and the Irish ambassador were also present. Saint Brigida is of Irish origin. “It’s quite a coincidence but Saint Brigida is two miles from my hometown,” said Ambassador Brendan Rogers. “We celebrate Saint Brigida in February and I went looking on the internet to see if they also did something with this holiday in the Netherlands. And that’s how I ended up here in Noorbeek,” said Rogers.