Kerwebaum

Kerwebaum, also Kerbbaum or Kirchweihbaum, is a ceremonial tree that serves as a focal point of the Kerwe (Kirchwei) festival in many German-speaking regions. The Kerwe is a traditional church consecration celebration held in villages or towns, and the Kerwebaum symbolizes the community’s participation, hospitality, and festive spirit during the event.

The name derives from Kirchweihe, Kerb, or Kerwe and literally means "church festival tree." The practice is especially common in Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Baden-Württemberg, and parts of Hesse and the Palatinate, though local customs vary in how the tree is selected, erected, and decorated.

Most Kerwebäume are evergreen trees such as fir or spruce, though other species appear in some villages. They are erected in public spaces—typically a village square or market—and decorated by volunteers, families, and youth groups. Decorations usually include ribbons, paper streamers, lanterns, and small ornaments; in some places sweets or tokens are attached to delight children.

The Kerwebaum commonly marks the opening of the festival, with a ceremony that may include speeches, a toast, or a community song. During the Kerwe period the tree remains a central gathering point for dances, games, and processions, and serves as a tangible symbol of local identity. After the festival, the tree is removed or repurposed according to local custom.