We've all heard of a ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate a new building, but have you ever seen a crew of construction workers hoisting what looks like a Christmas tree to the highest beam of a completed structure? Well, I assure you: it's a thing! Commonly referred to as "topping out," this age-old ceremony has a fascinating history that spans the globe.
Today on Growing on the High Plains, you'll hear origin stories involving pagan ritual sacrifice, labor union pride, and Germans marking the birth of a new building. So tune in and find out why we deck the crane with boughs of green.
