Multicultural Manners

As the economy in California recovers, construction activity is picking up and the traditions of ironworkers are returning to the scene.

This summer, Burbank residents observed the puzzling sight of an evergreen tree perched atop their Police/Fire Headquarters under construction at Third and Orange Grove streets. More recently, Pasadena freeway commuters may have noticed a tree mounted on the rebuilt overhead bridge near Marmion Way.

What does it mean?

Called topping off or topping out, this centuries-old Northern European building tradition occurs when workers reach the highest point of the frame of a new structure. In ancient times, when wood was the chief material, builders cut a tree and placed it on top of the building to appease the forest gods and give thanks to the trees. Building materials changed, but the practice remained.

In Burbank, ironworkers fastened an American flag to one end of the final steel beam and a tree to the opposite end. Then a crane hoisted the beam with the attached tree and flag to the top.

As with most customs, interpretations vary. One Burbank worker said it was a symbol of the ongoing growth of the American construction industry. Another said it gave thanks for having no workers injured. In Austin, Texas, where workers recently topped off the air traffic control tower at the new municipal airport, someone suggested it was to ward off evil spirits. However, the project manager offered a practical explanation, saying it shows people that the building has gone as high as it will go. Contractors also may follow the topping off with a barbecue or party for the workers.

Folklorist Norine Dresser is the author of “Multicultural Manners” (Wiley, 1996). Reach her c/o Voices or reach her by e-mail: 71204.1703@compuserve.com Associated Press Caption: Ironworkers celebrate a ‘topping off.’