Linde in Schenklengsfeld

This large-leaved lime tree (Tilia platyphyllos) is located in Schenklengsfeld, approximately ten kilometers southeast of Bad Hersfeld in the eastern Hessian district of Hersfeld-Rotenburg.

[1] The lime tree is situated at an elevation of approximately 318 meters above sea level, in the marketplace of Schenklengsfeld.

This unique growth pattern, with predominantly horizontal branches, was achieved by encouraging the crown to expand in width rather than height.

Historians recommend careful restoration efforts to maintain its original flat growth form.

In earlier times, when the trunk was still in one piece, it was said that there were beams and planks on the main branches that served as a dance floor.

[4] It is documented from other Tanzlinde that the practice of conducting the branches was employed to obtain bast for grafting in apple cultivation.

[10] According to P. Rosskopf from 1964 in Das Landecker Amt im Kreise Hersfeld,[4] the linden tree is said to have been planted in 760 during the construction of a chapel dedicated to the knight Saint George.

Just like at the famous Effeltrich lime [...] the middle trunk wasted away by the too strong promotion of the lowest stage, it starved, died from above.

The former official house at Landeckerstraße 8, situated near the Linden tree, served as the seat of the Landgravial-Hessian Amtmann, the highest judge of the Landecker Amt.

During these proceedings, convicted field offenders would be chained under the lime tree to a stake for varying durations, ranging from one or more hours to sometimes one or more days.

Hartwig Goerss documented this information in 1981:[15] "In earlier times, the courts of reprimand [...] took place under the linden tree.

These wrongdoers [...] were connected to a pole (Löngestock) placed under the lime tree, to which there was a closing iron, for one or more hours, often for a whole day.

"The dance meeting has survived to the present day and is celebrated every two years in June as the Linden Blossom Festival.

During this event, traditional costume groups, singing societies, and historical pageants present scenes from history.

As a highlight, an illumination of the Linden tree by fireworks takes place at the end of the festival.