After a moment’s contemplation, I asked the village chief, "When did that tree become sacred to the village?"

"I’m not sure. In fact, as a village chief, I’ve never really approved of superstitious beliefs and activity in the village. But since everyone partakes in superstition, I can't do anything about it except respect their beliefs. In fact, I don't believe in this so-called sacred tree," admitted the village head.

Removing her shoe soles, the village chief’s wife reminded, "Old man, have you forgotten that the tree once glowed at night? Everyone said that the tree god had appeared."

The village head recounted, "Oh, yes! That was in 2013."

"2013?" I mused. That was just five years ago and the glow of the tree must have been the effect of phosphorus volatilizing from the corpse,...