Meyboom

The Meyboom (French, former Dutch spelling) or Meiboom (modern Dutch) plantation is the oldest tradition in Brussels, Belgium, attested since 1308. It is held every year on 9 August, the eve of St Lawrence's Day, and consists mainly in the planting of a beech at the intersection of the Rue des Sables/Zandstraat and the Rue du Marais/Broekstraat in the City of Brussels' Marais–Jacqmain district. The event has several phases, with some parts of the ceremony being open to the public, and others reserved for tradition bearers. It is organised by the Companions of St Lawrence, a city association, and is accompanied by processions and various folk activities during the day. The celebration is reminiscent of Brussels' long-standing (folkloric) feud with Leuven, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Following a friendly incident in 1974 in which the Meyboom was stolen and taken to Leuven, both cities have claimed to be planting the "real" Meyboom. Since 2008, the Meyboom has been recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, and it is also listed as intangible heritage of the French Community of Belgium.