The ancient rites of trees - Basilicata, Italy

Here youncan see customs and traditions that still survive, although their origins have now been lost in the mists of time.   Religious rites that merge with ancient pagan traditions that celebrated the close bond between man and nature.  A typical example of this are the tree cuts of " Maggio" festivals, which
celebrate the union of two trees, a magnificent Turkey oak ( the Maggio) transported from the forests bya procession and the rarer holly (the cima), the queen of the forests, the fertility rite is celebrated in Accettura, Oliveto Lucano, Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano.