Naslov (eng)

The sacred trees of Serbia – a little-known aspect of Slavic ethnobotany

Autor

Łuczaj, Łukasz
Marković, Marija
Nikolić, Biljana

Publisher

Opis (eng)

Holy trees are a little-known phenomenon particular to Serbia. Select trees are consecrated and referred to as "zapis" or, locally, "miro" or "mirosano drvo". The information presented here is based on a literature review and field study performed in 2025 in the Pirot District in SE Serbia. These sacred trees were first reported in the Šumadija District south of Belgrade. Over 30 trees were visited in the Pirot District, recording their taxonomic identity, location and the associated local beliefs. The other trees were reported based on interviews with local geographers to be visited in the future. Most holy trees in the Pirot District are oaks, (Quercus cerris, Q. pubescens, Q. frainetto, Q. petraea and Q. robur. The other recorded common holy tree taxa in this area are Pyrus, Ulmus, Populus nigra and Malus). In the Šumadija District holy trees have crosses carved in their bark, while in the Pirot District, a specially prepared stone cross is placed at the trees' trunks. The population believes that holy trees protect their area from storms and other misfortunes. Traditionally, annual processions called "Litije" or "Krstonoše", organized during spring or summer festive days, would stop at all of a village's trees. Each tree has its patron saint, and a service would be organized on the saint's holiday date under their tree. Before the service, a sheep is sacrificed and special soup called "molitva" is served. "Kolač" bread and wine are blessed by the priest, who sprinkles the participants with holy water using a basil twig.

Jezik

engleski

Datum

2026

Licenca

© All rights reserved

Deo kolekcije (1)

o:1347

Radovi Instituta za šumarstvo