If I understand it correctly, a bunch of men get up at about 4 AM to perform this age old custom and the activity continues until dark. Some guys beat drums in a very, very simple but repeating rhythm all day. Others squeeze accordions but creating no tune what so ever and they all follow one fellow wearing a clown type mask. He’s also dances around the streets in a boat shaped costume with streamers hanging down and a horse head up front. This hobby horse chases women and children and expects to collect money from men. Up until some time in the 1800s the hobby horse had also been followed by men carrying tongs and whips but this was discontinued because these guys sometimes killed the men, I’m guessing for being stingy.
All this oddness starts on May 1, every year, and continues for three or four days. And it looks to me the people are standing around pretending to almost celebrate. It’s very clear there’s a great need, longing, and dedication to tradition because the crowds that show up are not there to admire the beauty of the dance which is hap hazard hopping, or the wandering, noisy followers.
What does all of this symbolize? No one has a clue! Who started it, why, and when? It’s older than these people’s memories were never written in a book and they can’t even guess. There is no understanding at all. I STAND IN WONDER AT THE STRENGTH OF TRADITION!
I stand in WONDER at the need for tradition. I can see the power that a new family tradition will have when it has UNDERSTANDING behind it. Create at least one new holiday for your family and share your ideas here. Submit your entrees for the Create a Holiday Contest through my comment section of this blog. See other invented holidays in the books, ‘Dragon’s Tales’ and ‘Eagle and Banana Peels’, at Amazon.com.  nancymauerman.com