Traditions

It goes without saying that the area we live in is steeped in history of our young country, as well as the other nationalities that make up the population of Southern Wisconsin.   German, Nordic, and Swiss immigrants made this area their home, since it reminded them so much of their homelands and they brought so many of their heritage and tradition along with them.   One of the many places here in Monroe that boast that tradition is Turner Hall, a restaurant/bowling alley/gathering place located right off the town square.   A ceremony that they hold each year is the raising of the Maitag, or maypole.   Essentially, it is a tree pole that has flags extending out from it signifying all the cantons of Switzerland and topped with a shrub of some sort.   It's usually kept up all summer long and then brought down after the final harvest.
  

I thought about the traditions that I have started since moving away and having a family when framing this picture.   The Christmas story readings on Christmas Eve, the special dish we make for the Thanksgiving table, or leaving a birthday or anniversary card for my wife in different spots each year all make me think about how I can pass on the legacy of traditions to our daughter.   Heritage has always been important to me, as I am sure it was to that Swiss community looking for a place that reminded them of home and built a place to remember, celebrate, and pass the traditions along to the next generation.