Maimann
The maimann is a traditional figure that is documented at least until the middle of the 19th century. Especially in the northern part of the central Hessian Lahn-Dill district (districts Dietzhölztals , Eschenburg and districts Haiger ), this tradition is still maintained at Whitsun . This custom was originally carried by the male school leavers of one year who organized the tour and the celebrations. Nowadays the tour and the subsequent celebrations are almost exclusively organized by clubs . Only in Rittershausen and Roth does the old tradition still exist. In Langenbach im Taunus the “ Laubmann ” performs , in the Bavarian Forest the “Pfingstl”.
meeting
The leafy maimann is supposed to show the victory of summer over winter. But since there is not enough beech leaves available at the beginning of April, this custom is celebrated in late May.
The Maimann can be found in the villages every year at Whitsun . Depending on the village tradition, either on Whit Sunday or Whit Monday.
rite
Before the actual Maimann hike through the village, the youngsters first have to make some preparations: The leaves (beech leaves or Maaj) are transported from the woods to a barn, in which the Maimann is dressed. In the past, birch veins (contractions) also had to be collected in order to be able to attach the leaves to the carrier. However, binding wire is used in many, but not all, places today.
In a procedure that takes just under two hours, the maimann is tied into the leaves, starting from his feet. Nobody should know who is hiding under the foliage, so the foliage has to be attached very tightly and very firmly. In addition, the maimann's head is decorated differently from village to village.
After getting dressed, the maimann marches through the village accompanied by all the village youth and collects his tribute from the villagers. All the companions sing the corn song in which they ask for sausage, eggs and bacon for the maimann.
After this hike, a pancake is baked from the collected ingredients , which is eaten by everyone involved.
Pentecost bride
In Dietzhölztal-Rittershausen and Eschenburg-Roth the tradition of the Whitsun Bride still lives, which is carried out parallel to the Maimann. Just as there the Maimann by the boys of the confirmation-year Ganges (formerly the graduates) will be organized, where the girls of the same vintage on whit organize the Pentecostal bride . Maimann and Whitsun Bride are organized by the youth club in Eschenburg-Roth. The girls of the 8th grade try on Whit Monday to compete with the Maimann and thus the boys. Whitsun brides become three first-year girls. In the morning you will be crowned by experienced women (originally she was the school's handicraft teacher) with a beautiful hair ornament. This hair ornament consists of a wreath of flowers, which is provided with colorful, long ribbons. So beautifully decorated, they walk through the village with the girls up to the 8th grade. They go from house to house, recite different old sayings and - just like the boys with the maimann - collect eggs, bacon and flour and then eat their pancakes with parents, friends and acquaintances at lunchtime or in the afternoon . If the Maimann and the Pentecostal bride meet on the way, a dispute ensues in which each side tries to degrade the other by using swear words. (In Roth, the Whitsun brides walk through the village with the Maimann)
meaning
This custom is intended to celebrate the expulsion of winter from the villages and the victory of summer. There were some changes in the tradition.
Winter is probably represented in the demon-like figure of the Maimann. Originally the maimann was wrapped in straw , which used to be a sign of winter. Initially only as an ornament, green branches were woven in, which later dominated. Nevertheless, the yellow color has persisted with the gorse and marsh marigolds.
Only after paying the village tribute in the form of sausage, eggs and bacon can the maimann be driven away from the Whitsun bride.
The latter tradition in particular is no longer followed in some villages, which could be explained by the fact that the boys found more support than the girls.