An archaeological monument under state protection that has been quite well-known as an ancient cult site for more than 100 years. From the ancient Idols’ Linden’s old offsprings nowadays there are only two offsprings left: the thickest one is 4.10 m in circumference, and the other one — 2.80 m in circumference. Right there four offsprings of a younger generation are growing, the circumference of which in autumn 2011 was 1.06 m, 1.07 m, 1.04 m, and 1.08 m. All offsprings together form the holy linden’s common clump. Similar reviving with next generation’s offsprings has been observed also in other parts of Kurzeme.
Narrative
They say there used to be as many as twelve or, according to other data, nine forked branches or offsprings. But on a photo of the 30s of the 20th century, one can clearly see only four or five trunks, but a photo dating back to the beginning of the century (the year 1914) proves that there used to be more. According to tales, in ancient times our ancestors brought offerings to the souls of the dead under the linden. There is a tale about a maiden who broke a branch from the linden, after that her legs started to ulcerate, and she became lame.
The Usma Idols’ Linden is one of many holy lindens in Kurzeme, and it especially attracts with its easy accessibility and the well-known surroundings of the Usma Lake. There is no doubt that it is one of the most popular holy lindens in Kurzeme. Not far from the Idols’ Linden the Moricsala is situated— a place where back in 1912 for the first time in Latvia a territory under protection was established to preserve virgin nature and the first nature preserve was founded.
