Finnish people belong to the Baltic-Finnic group of people that includes Estonians and minority groups on the other side of the Russia-Finland boarder. We believe in spirits. Trees were knocked on three times before felling it to allow the spirit to escape.
We share the same ancient belief system. It was more than belief, we truly believed that was the reality.
Even the Swedes thought we were odd with our spells and witchcraft. They tried to eradicate it, but instead we got a mixture of the old traditions and Christianity.
Using spells and ointments for healing was common, but the seers were the ones who had a special power. Often accused of being witches. They got their skills by learning from elders, and to strengthen their powers, they had to be in contact with the dead or with strong powers. This meant that carrying a bear’s claw or carrying something from a dead person was common for these extravagant people.
Finns on the coast would sell wind to sailors stuck in harbours due to the lack of wind. They sold a piece of string with three knots. Untying one would bring some wind, but untying all three would bring a storm.
As we believed that everything had a spirit, we also believed that their collective power brought strength. Väki can also refer to the power of the deceased, a group of faceless creatures that the witches would often use.
As the Baltic-Finnic people comprised different groups, also within the borders of Finland, there were differences and similarities in beliefs and customs. The beliefs that were common are considered the strongest.
1. Paulaharju, Samuli, Kansatieteen kuvakokoelma, Samuli Paulaharjun kokoelma, Museovirasto
2. Paulaharju, Samuli, Kansatieteen kuvakokoelma, Samuli Paulaharjun kokoelma, Museovirasto
3. , Suomalais-ugrilaiset kokoelmat, Suomen kansallismuseo
4. Laiho, A., Kansatieteen kuvakokoelma, Museovirasto
5. Onni E. Koponen, Pielisen museo
6. Rytkönen, Ahti, Kansatieteen kuvakokoelma, Museovirasto
7. Rytkönen, Ahti, Kansatieteen kuvakokoelma, Museovirasto
