Geisenheim/Lime tree town

Jesus is explaining something because He wants the people to know what His relationship to God is. He says it like this: ‘You who see me see God. I am a light, whoever believes in me will not live in darkness. If you don’t believe me I don’t judge you because I came to save the world. If you reject me my words will judge you in the last day. My Father gave me the commandments to speak and they are life.’

Jesus explains here that His teachings come directly from God this is found in John 12; 44-50.

Geisheim lies on the Rhine’s right bank between Wiesbaden and Reidesheim with Mainz 21km away to the east. It was first documented in 772.

We cycled into the town and our first sighting was a tree in the town Square of Bischof- Blum – Platz. It stands in front of the Geisenheim ‘Rathouse’/townhall with a medieval – style town square surrounding it. It commands our attention and here is a video:

It is a 700-year- old linden / lime tree the towns landmark. It has always been the central meeting place for the people of Geisenheim or Linden Tree Town.

Across Europe the Linden tree has long served as a symbol of love, justice, peace and community.

The heart shaped leaves resembling human hearts made it a tree of romance. The linden tree, a place in the town where dances were held. It is not surprising that Walther von der Vogelweide the, 12th Century German poet wrote ‘Under der linden’ a classic poem about young lovers meeting under the tree.

As for justice, historic court sessions were often held under linden trees called Gerichtslinde. It was believed that no lie could be told in its shade and that the sweet smell of the blossom could soften the hearts of the judges.

The tree is also useful for its wood. It produces soft easily worked timber, which has very little grain and a density of 560kg/m³. It is a popular wood for model building, intricate carving and guitar bodies. In the past it was often used by tribes for constructing shields.

The well supported linden tree and fountain with plenty of wooden seating under its thick canopy of shade. Then looking down one of the streets there are two towers on a church and another square. The church is almost as old as the tree.

Rheingauer Dom built in rose colour stone in around 1500. Let us look inside this triple- nave hall type church.

The church is locked but we get a view through glass doors.

This square has a modern fountain and some bright planting. People are enjoying sun and shade.

It has been a fine cycle along the Rhein and we are soon making our way back.

Cotton wool clouds in a blue sky, on a warm pleasant afternoon. The stillness is intense as we watch a heron stalk its prey after cycling through dappled shade from large elderly trees. A good afternoon along the Rhein.

Views across the water picking up the white and blue of the sky.

The heron with its reflection both so statue still…

Shadows with holes of sun as branches curve far above ‘multi- stemmed’ trees. An afternoon on the German Rhein.

Take care,

Sandy 🙂