'Christmas Tree' Symbolizes Completion
of Framework
On Monmouth College's Huff Athletic Center
Release Date: January 28, 2003
 |
| The evergreen and
flag atop the new Huff Athletic Center represent a cherished custom of
ironworkers. |
MONMOUTH, Ill. — No, it's not a
left-over Christmas decoration. The pine tree and American flag erected
recently at the south gable of the new Huff Athletic Center fieldhouse
represent a tradition that may have originated with the ancient Romans.
Known as "Topping
Out," the practice of erecting a tree or flag has become a cherished
custom of ironworkers whenever the skeleton of a bridge or building is
completed. Topping Out is a signal that the uppermost steel member is
going into place--that the structure has reached its final height. As the
last beam is hoisted, an evergreen tree or a flag or both are attached to
it as it ascends.
For some, the evergreen
symbolizes that the job went up without a loss of life, while for others
it's a good luck charm for the future occupants. The flag
suggests patriotism or the American dream.
As early as 621 B.C.
the Romans celebrated the completion of the Pons Sublicus over the Tiber
River by throwing human beings into the water as sacrifices to the gods.
In ancient China, the ridgepole of a new structure was smeared with
chicken blood, as a substitute for human blood, in hopes of fooling the
gods. Through the Middle Ages, the local priest or rabbi had a special
blessing for new homes, ships, churches and public buildings.
By 700 A.D. in
Scandinavia, the custom of hoisting an evergreen tree atop the ridgepole
was a popular way of signaling the start of a completion party. The
Norsemen venerated the evergreens, sailing long ships of seasoned spruce,
with masts carved from towering pines and steering oars of cedar.
Returning from successful raids, Viking chieftains constructed mead halls,
hoisting an evergreen tree to the ridgepole in celebration.
The Teutonic
tribes may have tried to appease the tree spirits for taking their lumber,
while in Germany hardly a structure goes up without an evergreen to signal
the birth of a new building. The Swiss also lay claim to the custom of
Topping Out.
(The above
information was taken from the December 2000 issue of Modern Steel
Construction magazine.)
Released
by the Office of College Communications
Barry McNamara, Associate Director of College Communications
Phone: 309-457-2117
Fax: 309-457-2330
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