Always associated with Timber Framing, the Topping-Out ceremony is believed to have come from Northern Europe (also known as 'Richtfest' and credited sometimes to Germany, Scandanavia or the Netherlands) but still commonly practiced throughout Europe. The ceremony typically includes an evergreen nailed to the upper portion of the framing, a toast and a blessing.
Alaska has a along history of builders from with descendants from Europe and the upper Midwest who have brought this tradition with them. The builder for The Switchback House (WillowRidge Construction of Anchorage, AK) performed this ceremony recently as the last of the major structural framing was completed- a thoughtful and meaningful way to celebrate progress on the build.
