Gerichtslinde

After Christianization, the linden remained associated with justice and benevolent protection, often re-dedicated to Mary mother of Jesus (Marienlinden) or to the twelve Apostles (Apostellinden).

The 12th century Visio Godeschalci describes a journey which the pious Holstein peasant Godeskalk believed he had made in the lower world.

There is mentioned an immensely large and beautiful linden-tree hanging full of shoes, which were handed down to such dead travellers as had exercised mercy during their lives.

[1] Notable specimens are found in Bargischow, Castell, Frankfurt am Main, Großgoltern, Herzogenreuth, Himmelsberg (Hesse), Hohenpölz, Kierspe, Müden an der Örtze, Neuenrade, Salzhemmendorf, Sachsenbrunn Schaumburg, Upstedt, Waldtann (Kreßberg) and Warmsen.

Each tenant farmer had his own stone seat beneath the linden and the meeting was presided over by the village elder (Danish: oldermand, cognate "alderman").