Gerichtslinde

A "gerichtslinde" is a special tree that used to be very important for justice in some places. When people had a problem or a disagreement with someone else, they would go to the gerichtslinde to settle it.

The tree was chosen because it was usually very old and big, so people believed it had a wise and powerful spirit that could help solve their problems. They would stand under the tree and talk about what had happened, and then they would listen to the tree's advice. Sometimes they would even hug the tree or leave offerings for it.

The gerichtslinde was especially important in rural communities where there weren't any courts or judges. People trusted the tree to be fair and impartial, and they felt that it was a sacred place where justice could be done.

Although the tradition of the gerichtslinde has faded over time, some communities still maintain these special trees as a reminder of their history and culture.