R Puogliar d'Maj

A Timeless Propitiatory Rite

In Colle d'Anchise, a small village in the province of Campobasso at the foot of the Matese mountains, on May 3rd, the town is once again coloured by R Puogliar d'Maj, an ancient arboreal rite that wishes for a good harvest for the summer season. It is one of the most fascinating and identity-rich traditions of Molise.

R Puogliar, Symbol of Abundance

The protagonist of the day is R Puogliar: a striking cone-shaped structure, covered with flowers and branches and topped with a cross adorned with elements full of meaning — wheat, a symbol of abundance; the rose, protection for the bride; the lily, protection for children. The structure is carried in procession through the village streets, in a rite that intertwines spirituality, peasant culture, and collective celebration.

A Tradition Passed Down by the Youth

The event is organized by the youth of Colle d'Anchise, in collaboration with the municipal administration and the parish: a detail that speaks to the vitality of a community that has chosen to preserve and pass on its roots. Amidst masses, blessings, dances, and popular songs, R Puogliar d'Maj is a day that unites the entire village, also attracting visitors curious to discover the May rites of inland Molise.