2023-08-09 08:44:00
It’s not yet 7 a.m. Already, folk songs resonate at the Place des Chasseurs Ardennais. In the Le Chaplin café, the Bûûmdroegers “gain strength”. Today is August 9, Meyboom Day, for the 715th time.
Before going to cut the “tree of joy” which will be planted in the heart of Brussels, the folklorists dressed in red have lunch. On the menu, a unique dish: a bacon omelet. “It’s a tradition, and it’s well respected,” rejoices Alain, a member of the Compagnons de Saint-Laurent.
At 7:30 a.m., the neighborhood wakes up and the “Bûûm” leave the Place des Chasseurs Ardennais by bus. Direction the Bois de la Cambre to cut the tree. The specimen had been selected last week. “A good one this year, a big one”, is surprised a participant. “In addition with the rain of the last few days, it is heavy.”
After a few strokes with the chainsaw, the beech is on the ground. Branches that are too big are removed… and presto! About twenty carriers lift the trunk. “The maneuvers are not easy because there are lots of trees in the way.”
Placed in the truck, the tree then began its procession in Etterbeek, Saint-Josse and Schaerbeek. “Historic towns”, tells us Jan Brusten, president of the Compagnons de Saint-Laurent. “The Meyboom is a tradition of the Bas-Fonds district. But many residents had to move and went to these nearby towns, where rents were still affordable at the time.”
For the 715th time, the Meyboom returns next Wednesday: here is the selected tree and the program for this flagship Brussels folklore event
After the joyful procession, the tree will be presented at 2 p.m. at the Grand-Place in Brussels, before starting its final procession towards the corner of rue du Marais and rue des Sables. Specific place where the Meyboom must be planted… before 5 p.m. as required by tradition.
”In Leuven, they also plant a Meyboom. If we don’t manage to plant it in time, they are the ones who receive the privilege,” says Jean-Bernard, a folklore lover. As a reminder, the tradition goes back to 1213 and the victory of the people of Brussels once morest Louvanists at the gates of the city. By way of recognition, the “privilege” was granted to the Compagnons de Saint-Laurent, who have perpetuated it for more than 700 years.
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