On the side of the road you’ll see a remarkable four-branched pine tree. Its name – the funeral pine – refers to its importance in local funeral customs. This kind of funeral tree was once quite widespread in Setomaa. The Verhulitsa pine is one of the few still remained.
On the way from home to the graveyard, the funeral procession made a stop by the tree. That’s where the villagers paid their last respects to the deceased, while only the close relatives continued with the procession all the way to the cemetery. Prayers were said and memories were told here by the tree.
According to folk legends, the Verhulitsa pine has four branches because over 300 years ago, when the village of Verhulitsa was founded, four pine trees were planted next to each other. Based on the dendrochronological studies, the pine is probably 260-320 years old. The tree, with a perimeter of about 4 meters, is under nature protection.
Contacts
MTÜ Setomaa Turism
+372 5682 1268
Pikk 41, Värska, Setomaa vald, 64001
turism@setomaa.ee
http://www.visitsetomaa.ee
