THE SACRED TREE

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Deep within the Middle Volga region of Russia lives an ancient Finno-Ugric people, the Maris. The land they call home lies between the Malaya Kokshaga and Vyatka rivers and on this land, as early as the second half of the first millennium AD, the Mari's unique culture was formed. Here, under the Sacred Tree rest the remains of the son of the last Mari leader, Akpatyr. Traditionally, every Mari is expected, at least once in their lifetime, to make a journey to the Sacred Tree and bring a shawl or towel as an offering. Akpatyr was well known as an enlightener and a healer. In this area, he founded the first Mari village and promoted the Mari faith. Legend has it, that Akpatyr drew his strength from a golden duck that swam in a wooden basin filled with honey, hidden beneath the floor of his home. One day, his wife discovered the secret source of Akpatyr's powers. And with that, his strength left him, he died and his remains were buried close to the Sacred Tree.