Richtfest
The Richtfest itself is an old German tradition of having a blessing, or topping- off ceremony when a new house is built.
This celebration was thrown for the workmen who had come into town to assist or build the house for the home owner after the roof had been erected. This was the point where their work was done and they were off to another town for a new project.
The overall point of the Richtfest is to celebrate all of the hard work, and usher in the house with a good blessing. In some towns, it is customary to have the parish Pastor perform a traditional blessing on the house. In other regions it is customary for the home owner to throw the Richtfest. If he chooses not to do so, an old broom is nailed to the gable ridge to show the rest of the town that he was too cheap to do so. Of course, no one would want this, so the Richtfest became a standard which is still done today.
Special Traditions We Practice During Richtfest
The Gable Tree
The tradition of the gable tree is based on it being an almost universal symbol of life.
So therefore the tree is placed high above the house to symbolize the new houses birth and the beginning of its lifespan.
Two Bottles
There are always two bottles present at a Richtfest, which are key to the ceremony. One bottle is filled with water, salt, pepper, and sometimes herbs. This bottle is broken upon the houses threshold to ensure a full pantry, plenty of food, and prosperity. The second bottle is filled with schnapps. The schnapps is used for a toast to bring good spirits and good health to the house and its Owners.
Richtspruch
The Richtspruch is a speech traditionally given by the Baumeister (General Contractor here) in which the house is blessed as well as toasts given to the trades people and craftsmen who have built it. Everyone present participates in the toasts and congratulates the new Home Owner.
Beam Raising
If possible, it is fun to raise the last framing member into place as part of the topping-off. Richtfest attendees sign the beam and write good wishes on it, prior to its raising. It is believed that these good wishes become part of the house and stay with it through its lifespan.
Oktoberfest
Sticking with our German roots and traditions, Toth celebrates Oktoberfest in grand style. This gives all of us at Toth Construction the opportunity to thank and honor our clients, architects, designers, subcontractors, and vendors that we have worked with, past and present.
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To view this project, please go to our Portfolio tab, view the Broadmoor I project.
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