Stephan Pongs taking the traditional carpenters drink from the roof.
Stephan Pongs taking the traditional carpenters drink from the roof.
Everybody, keep your mouth shut and listen! We all want to celebrate our topping-out ceremony. The eldest as well as the youngest, the largest as well as the smallest, and the smartest as well as the dumbest. Listen to what I have to say.
After ten years of waiting for the garland, which is ultimately hanging on the top, it is time to be happy, 'cause soon it'll be done. The mayor and the community must admit that everybody who helped to re-construct this barn was neither afraid of pains nor of danger. Standing on strong foundation and a strong framework, the timbers look down to us. In fact, it is a magnificent masterpiece!
May God protect it from storm, fire, and anything else and may he also protect those who visit this barn.
To you down there, I wish you luck and well being!
And now, companion, pour out! The first drink is to honor the trade we belong to - three cheers for it! The second drink to honor the community - three cheers for it! Companion, pour out for the last time, this drink is meant for the barn, may it bring you luck - three cheers - for it
And, with the shattering of this glass, your barn is blessed!
by Stephan Pongs
