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Paper short abstract

This study analyzes a specific funerary custom performed in rural communities of Moldova region (NE Romania), during the feast of Saint Elijah, when a branch of a fruit tree (sour cherry, plum, apple, etc.) is adorned and placed at the graves of recently deceased.

Paper long abstract

This study investigates a specific funerary ritual performed in rural communities of Moldava region, NE Romania. On the feast of Saint Elijah, families adorn a branch of a fruit tree (usually apple or plum), which they then place at the grave of a recently deceased relative. Loaded with bread, fruits, sweets, clothes, and various household objects, the branch, called the tree, is meant to bring peace to the departed soul, serving as an intercession for the forgiveness of sins and as an affirmation of the continuity of life in the mythical dimension.

The study interprets the pomana tree as a variant of the cosmic Tree of Life, an axis mundi connecting the earthly and transcendent realms, also embodying a distinct symbolic value tied to the power of regeneration and the idea of rebirth, in which the human destiny is intertwined with the vegetal world.

Fieldwork was carried out in 2022 through direct observation, photography, and semi-structured interviews with community members. It revealed that the funerary tree of St. Elijah is a culturally embedded ritual practice, functioning as a communal identity marker in which each element fulfills a symbolic role, thereby sustaining the continuity and resilience of local tradition. In 2025, the practice was included in the Romanian National Register of the Intangible Cultural Heritage under the name of ‘ The Tree of Saint Elijah’ custom.