Medieval Wayside Stone Cross (Sühnekreuz)

Here is a medieval expiatory cross. At that time it was customary to negotiate atonement agreements. As part of the reparation, the erection of a stone cross was usually agreed. The background was predominantly murder or manslaughter. These crosses can be found on the side of the road or at crossroads.

Atonement cross or murder cross is the name given to a stone cross that was erected to atone for a murder or manslaughter that had been committed. Atonement crosses are atonement stones in the shape of a cross. Atonement crosses were usually located on paths and crossroads. Weapons (crossbow, axe or similar) are carved into some stone crosses, possibly the murder weapon.Source:de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%BChnekreuz

The atonement cross is located directly on the bike path. When I passed by, however, it was quite overgrown. I almost missed it.