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Natural Monuments

Wallonie

The Nail Tree of Stambruges

Natural Monuments

Wallonie

The Nail Tree of Stambruges

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Nail Tree of Stambruges

Recommended by 88 hikers out of 92

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Parc naturel des Plaines de l’Escaut

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Location: Belœil, Ath, Hainaut, Wallonie, Wallonia, Belgium

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Best Hikes to The Nail Tree of Stambruges

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1. Circuit de l'Arbre à clous — Parc naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut

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2. L'arbre à clous de Stambruges – Forêt de Stambruges loop from Stambruges

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3. Stambruges Forest – The nail tree of Stambruges loop from Belœil

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Hard

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fg Bob 🤠🚴‍♂️ 🌲 🦌 👍🛞

August 30, 2020

The two rag trees of Stambruges

There are now two of them carrying the wishes and hopes of recovery. The oldest, a black locust tree, fell to the ground in 2009. However, we continue to drive nails into it and leave personal objects, toys, clothes, shoes, bandages... These are the famous "rags" that we also find hanging to chapels, calvaries, springs in the region… The second, a younger oak, its “replacement” is right next door. Some “rags” also hang from the trunk to end up on the ground, a sign of healing according to tradition. But obviously, the old locust tree, even dead, still largely retains the votes of pilgrims.

You will notice the nails embedded in the bark. The rag trees of Stambruges would in fact be related to the tradition of nail trees, a tradition formerly common in northern France and Belgium. Originally, we just drove a nail into the tree, the menhir or the statue... By reciting a prayer or making a wish. Easier to deposit, more personal, rags have gradually taken over.

The rag trees of Stambruges are both invoked for the healing of skin diseases, rheumatism, childhood illnesses, to make it easier for babies to walk or the healing of wounds... We do not know when this belief dates back. On the other hand, when we look at the photos taken at the beginning of the 20th century, the locust tree, to the right of the chapel, does not yet seem to be covered in rags.

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Willem VS

November 1, 2021

Here are some of the key points of Arconpuch:
The date of construction of the original chapel is unknown to us, but before 1833 as attested by Ph. Vander Maelen. It is due, according to legend, to the chance find of a statue of the Virgin at the foot of the tree. The priest, having learned of the facts, wanted to transport it to his church. The next morning, she returned to her original place, as if moved by divine intervention. When the clergyman pretended to bring her back, she asked him to build her a chapel at the foot of his tree. Which was immediately done.

This is probably an example of the recovery of a pagan cult by the Church. The two cults eventually merged. Thus some believers ask for favors by nailing various objects to the tree, unconsciously invoking pagan deities while thanking the Virgin, while others request Notre Dame de L'Arc au Puche by simply meditating near the chapel. The Virgin is invoked for childhood illnesses. In the past, the faithful recited rosaries while circling the chapel, hoping to obtain graces. It is on August 15 and Easter Monday that pious people come, sometimes from far away, to prove their devotion to him.
stambrugesgrandglisenotrevillage.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/chapelle-de-l-arconpuch

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Laurence

January 27, 2022

Thanks Fg Bob,

If you pass by Hasnon near Valenciennes, there is also one with a small chapel and a text dedicated to praying.

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Elevation 70 m

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Location: Belœil, Ath, Hainaut, Wallonie, Wallonia, Belgium

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The Nail Tree of Stambruges

1. Circuit de l'Arbre à clous — Parc naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut

2. L'arbre à clous de Stambruges – Forêt de Stambruges loop from Stambruges

3. Stambruges Forest – The nail tree of Stambruges loop from Belœil

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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