A German Richtfest, a topping-out ceremony, is held when the shell of a building is finished. The craftsmen and all the other helpers are invited. One of the carpenters or the site foreman gives a short speech, with thanks to the architect and the owner and a request for God’s blessing on the house. The roof is decorated with a wreath or a small tree. The tradition goes back to the 14th century. A common saying fits the order: Erst die Arbeit, dann das Vergnügen, first the work, then the pleasure.