The Peace Linden 🌳

When I look into the canopy of leaves, my experience is intensified by the interplay of light and shadow, the rustling of leaves in the wind, and the vibrant hues that shift with the changing light. This sensory immersion creates a fuller, richer image in my mind than any photograph could ever capture. The movement within the thicket blurs the gaps a photo might capture, and the living space between the branches is filled with a sense of vitality due to the gas exchange and microclimates that contribute to the dynamic ecosystem.

The linden tree, with its deep cultural significance, ignites a cascade of thoughts and associations. This tree, revered as sacred and planted as a symbol of peace, is deeply woven into my cultural heritage. The sight of the linden tree evokes memories of ancient Germanic legends, intricately decorated old books, and the hero Siegfried. The unique shape of the linden leaf and the historical gatherings of Germanic tribes beneath its branches to make important decisions further enrich my perception.

This profound connection to the linden tree cannot be captured in a mere photograph. The image I seek must convey not just the visual beauty of the tree but also the powerful emotional and cultural resonance it holds for me. The photograph should aim to encapsulate the living essence of the tree, the depth of its historical significance, and the personal associations that make it so meaningful to me. Only then can it begin to approximate the powerful experience I describe.

Expressionist realism combines the accurate depiction of reality with subjective, emotional, and often intense expressions. When a photo is edited to capture not just the external appearance of the subject but also the deeper emotional and cultural meanings it holds for the viewer, it creates a connection between the real world and the inner world of the viewer, which is a central aim of expressionist realism.

A large earth bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) enjoys the Peace Linden tree 🌳🌼🐝

The Peace Linden in Bommersheim 🌳🕊

My name also has a connection to peace, because Frederic is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful ruler" or "peaceful king." It's derived from the elements "frid," meaning "peace," and "ric," meaning "ruler" or "king." 🫅🕊

My surname "Hilpert" is of German origin as well. It is derived from the Middle High German personal name "Hildebert," which combines the elements "hild," meaning "battle," and "berht," meaning "bright" or "famous." So, "Hilpert" likely originated as a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Hildebert." However, there are other possible explanations for the origin of my surname.

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Sacred Tree: In Germanic mythology, the linden tree was considered sacred and was often associated with Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. It was believed to possess protective and healing properties.

Community and Justice: The linden tree often stood in the center of villages and towns in Germanic regions, serving as a meeting place for gatherings, judicial proceedings, and social events. The idea was that the linden tree symbolized community, peace, and fairness.

Protection and Love: It was also thought to offer protection against evil spirits and to bring good luck. In folklore, linden trees were associated with love and fidelity, with many stories and songs linking the tree to romantic themes.

Healing Properties: The linden tree was renowned for its medicinal properties. Its flowers, leaves, and wood were used in various remedies to treat ailments such as colds, headaches, and anxiety, emphasizing its role in nurturing and healing.

The Friedenslinde (Peace Linden) 🌳

Green is the color of hope. I can still remember the first time I heard that saying. I was asked to choose the color for a game called "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht!" (Man, Don't Get Angry!) and I chose green. I didn't win.

Still, I stuck with this color. Because you should never give up hope.

Last June, this blossom of the Friedenslinde (Peace Linden) danced in the gentle summer breeze hanging by a thread.

The new leaves of the Friedenslinde (Peace Linden Tree) in Bommersheim.

Common yellowjacket,
Vespula vulgaris
(09/2007 in Oberursel, Germany)