Companions of St Lawrence in the Sonian Forest, in the outskirts of Brussels. According to tradition, it must weigh at least , measure in height and be leafy. It is cut and then transported by Bûûmdroegers ("tree bearers") through the municipalities of Schaerbeek, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode and the City of Brussels. The procession is accompanied by a marching band, Poepedroegers ("giant puppet bearers"), the Wheel of Fortune, Kêrstoempers ("cart pushers"), Meybloemekes ("flower-handing women"), as well as Gardevils ("city guards") since 2001. At 1 p.m., a tribute is paid to the deceased Companions. The procession then forms at the corner of the / and the / (near the local brotherhood of the Companions, at 37, /), and sets off along a fixed route through the /, the /, the /, the /, the /, the /, the /, the /, before arriving at the Grand-Place/Grote Markt (Brussels' main square). At 2.45 p.m., the procession returns from the Grand-Place via the /, the /, the /, the /, the /, and finally returns to the corner of the / and the / around 4.30 p.m. Along the way, small branches of the tree are distributed, supposed to bring good fortune for the year to come. The culmination is the plantation itself, which must take place before 5 p.m. to avoid a victory from the "Louvanistes" (i.e. Leuven's inhabitants). The tree is in fact not really planted but stuck in the ground and removed the next day. See also History of Brussels Culture of Belgium Ommegang of Brussels Royal Theatre Toone Saint-Verhaegen References Notes Bibliography Culture in Brussels History of Brussels Parades in Belgium Tourist attractions in Brussels City of Brussels Annual events in Brussels Summer events in Belgium Belgian folklore