# Construction workers' flags and trees

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-workers-flags-and-trees/184098>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 24, 2003, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-workers-flags-and-trees/184098 "2003-06-24T18:45:52Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-workers-flags-and-trees/184098/1 "2003-06-24T18:45:52Z")

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I’ve noticed that at many construction sites, the structures are topped by a flag and a tree. I understand the flag, but what about the tree? Or are they just saying isn’t it cool to have a tree this high?

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**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-workers-flags-and-trees/184098/2 "2003-06-24T20:01:13Z")

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According to [this page,](http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coyotes/0407wvcoyotes-ON.html) the tree is for good luck.

> [@](#):
>
> On Monday, workers placed an evergreen tree and an American flag atop the arena’s highest beam after it was set in place. Trees traditionally have been good-luck omens at construction sites.

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**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-workers-flags-and-trees/184098/3 "2003-06-24T20:03:59Z")

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Additional: the tree is apparently an ironworker’s tradition from Norway, originating around 1898.

[Another cite.](http://www.cityofseattle.net/civic/toppingoff.htm)

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**Author:** ![Mops](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mops/32/16494_2.png) [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-workers-flags-and-trees/184098/4 "2003-06-24T21:04:47Z")

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This kind of ceremony looks related to the German _Richtfest_ (a ceremony marking the completion of the roof beams, with the house being topped by a crown [like the one lifted by crane in this picture](http://www.uni-potsdam.de/portal/okt02/richtfest.htm), a speech by the senior carpenter/building foreman and drinks all round). This topping-out ceremonies might well be common to a lot of countries (like Norway, as mentioned) because it’s a point where part of the building crafts’ work is done.