Growing up in Germany, I remember from my childhood the occasional Richtfest which is a celebration that takes place when the outer shell of a new structure has been erected. Traditionally, this involves a gathering with food and drink that includes both those who commissioned the building and their family/friends and those who actually built the structure. A crown of greenery, flowers and ribbons is raised into the rafters as well as a visual representation of gratitude and joy.
With the completion of our home addition framing on Friday, today we had our own abbreviated version of a Richtfest. I made the crown and we hung it and we left breakfast treats for our work crew that was returning to finish up another aspect of the project today. Then the five of us went into our new addition to write our wishes for the space onto the walls. Middle Kiddo carried out a very liberal interpretation of Hillebille which traditionally is a rhythmic beating of hammers and axes by the craftsmen to drive out any negative energies and bad spirits from the new space.
It'll be a while, but we're so excited for the things to come.
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