Sinner’s Pond
In the south-eastern part of the Botanical Gardens “Botan”, lies a small pond which, during the first half of the 20th century, fulfilled a very special and symbolic function. On the first day of the Jewish New Year, is the time when families from Nöden went to cast their sins into the water. The custom known as “tashlikh” originated in Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages. The sins should really be thrown into running water but the pond here in “Botan” was considered sufficient.
Text and photo: Claes Wahlöö