Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Sposalizio dell'Albero

On the 8th of May each year, in the Italian town of Vetralla, Sposalizio dell'Albero, The Wedding of the Trees, takes place. It is on this day that the mayor of the town reaffirms the town's sovereignty over the forests of Monte Fogliano, gifted to the commune by Pope Innocent III. Oak trees are dressed in garlands and veils, horsemen distribute floral bouquets and new trees are planted. The ceremony reaffirms the right of each citizen to one cubic meter of firewood each year and on this day, the town provides everyone with a picnic lunch.

What a cute celebration.