Kierreeseen

Kierreeseen, also known as *kierre* or *kierrevesi*, refers to a traditional Finnish folk remedy and natural practice involving the use of twisted or coiled water, often associated with local folklore and beliefs about water energy. The concept is rooted in rural Finnish customs, where water was sometimes manipulated or "twisted" through specific rituals or movements to harness its perceived healing or protective properties.

The practice is said to involve winding or twisting a rope, string, or even one’s own body in a particular motion around a body of water, such as a well, pond, or river. Some accounts suggest that this action was believed to influence the water’s flow, purify it, or invoke blessings. While no scientific basis exists for these claims, the tradition reflects broader European folk beliefs about the spiritual or energetic qualities of water.

Kierreeseen was particularly associated with agricultural and household rituals, such as ensuring good harvests or safeguarding livestock. In some regions, it was also linked to protective charms against misfortune or malevolent forces. The practice declined with modernization but remains a subject of interest in Finnish folklore studies.

Today, kierreeseen is primarily a cultural artifact, studied as part of Finland’s rich oral traditions. It exemplifies how communities historically interacted with their environment, blending practical needs with symbolic beliefs. While not recognized as a medical or scientific practice, it offers insight into the cultural significance of water in Finnish heritage.