Ukrainian Priest Debunks Elderberry Superstition

In the heart of Ukraine, a priest challenges a long-held local superstition surrounding elderberry trees. The belief, passed down through generations, claims that cutting down an elderberry tree invites evil spirits. However, Father Oleksiy Filiuk, in a recent video, shares a different perspective. "Even my grandmother warned me," he recalls, "Don't cut down an elder, or the devil will visit!" But Father Oleksiy has been cutting elderberry trees since childhood without incident, suggesting the superstition might be more myth than reality. His lighthearted approach to a deeply rooted tradition offers a glimpse into the cultural nuances of rural Ukraine, highlighting the clash between ancient beliefs and modern experience. The video, while short, has sparked online discussion, with many viewers sharing their own experiences and perspectives on the elderberry tree myth.