Hallo! Wie geht\u2019s? Today I\u2019d like to introduce you to a German tradition called Richtfest. I only learnt about this recently, as my parents are having their roof re-done and my mum said she wanted to get some beers for the builders once the roof is finished, \u201clike they do at a Richtfest\u201d. Naturally, I had to learn more \u2013 and now I\u2019d like to tell you all about it, too!<\/p>\n
Put simply, Richtfest<\/strong> is where people who are building a house, or having some major renovations done on their house, give thanks to the builders and all involved in the construction work with a mini-ceremony. People involved include der Bauherr <\/strong>– builder, der Baumeister<\/strong> – architect\/master builder and der Zimmermann<\/strong> – carpenter. The Richtfest<\/strong> typically occurs when the final beam is added to the roof of the new build.<\/p>\n A giant wreath called der Richtkranz<\/strong> is used to decorate the roof of the house, and a speech or poem known as der Richtspruch<\/strong> is spoken to mark the completion of the build and declare the house \u2018open\u2019. This speech usually calls upon God to bless and protect the house. The ceremony usually involves a Prost<\/strong> (toast) with Schnaps<\/strong> or another alcoholic drink.<\/p>\n Here is the first part of a typical Richtspruch<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Verehrte G\u00e4ste<\/strong><\/p>\n Viele Stunden sind vergangen,<\/strong> <\/p>\n Dear guests,<\/em><\/p>\n Many hours have passed<\/em> <\/p>\n This tradition is not unique to Germany; it happens in many countries. In the UK this ceremony is called \u2018topping out\u2019.<\/p>\n The word das Richtfest roughly translates to \u2018roofing ceremony\u2019 or \u2018build celebration\u2019. The word richt<\/strong> comes from the verb aufrichten<\/strong> \u2013 to erect\/set up, and das Fest<\/strong> is the German word for celebration.<\/strong> You may also see das Richtfest under the names das<\/strong> Bauheben<\/strong>, das<\/strong> Weihefest<\/strong>, das<\/strong> Hebefest<\/strong>, or die<\/strong> Hebfeier<\/strong>.<\/p>\nWhat happens at a Richtfest?<\/h3>\n
\n seit man das Werk hat angefangen.<\/strong>
\n W\u00e4nde stellen, Dachstuhl richten,<\/strong>
\n all der Zunft gerechten Pflichten.<\/strong>
\n Es flo\u00df der Schwei\u00df bei Sonnenglut,<\/strong>
\n gelobt sei Gott, es flo\u00df kein Blut.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n since we began our work.<\/em>
\n Putting up walls, laying the roof,<\/em>
\n And all of the duties approved by the guild.<\/em>
\n The sweat was flowing in the heat of the sun,<\/em>
\n Thank God there was no blood flowing.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nThe wordy stuff<\/h3>\n