Kehamõõtmed

Kehamõõtmed, also known as traditional Estonian measuring units, were a system of weights and measures historically used in Estonia. This system was based on local customs and practical needs, differing slightly from region to region. It was widely used before the adoption of the metric system in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One of the most common kehamõõtmed was the *jalg* (foot), which was roughly equivalent to the length of an average adult man’s foot, typically around 28–30 centimeters. Another unit was the *kõrv* (ear), used for measuring smaller distances, approximately 6 centimeters long. For measuring larger areas, such as fields, farmers often used the *mõõt* (acre), which varied by region but was generally around 0.5 to 1 hectare.

In terms of weight, the *nael* (pound) was a standard unit, roughly equivalent to about 400 grams. Smaller weights included the *muna* (egg), which was around 10 grams, and the *kaup* (merchandise unit), used for trading goods. These units were often passed down through generations and adjusted based on local standards rather than fixed definitions.

The kehamõõtmed system declined with the introduction of the metric system in the late 19th century, as standardized measurements were adopted for trade, industry, and administration. Today, these traditional units are primarily of historical interest, reflecting Estonia’s cultural and agricultural heritage. Some remnants of the system can still be found in folklore, proverbs, and regional traditions.