Kütteelemendina

Kütteelemendina refers to a traditional Estonian folk custom and ritual that was historically practiced during the winter solstice, particularly around the period of January 13th, known as *Jaanipäev* (John’s Day) in the Estonian calendar. The term itself is derived from the Estonian words *kütt* (hunter) and *elemend* (element), though its exact origins and interpretations have evolved over time.

The ritual was believed to have roots in pre-Christian pagan traditions, where it served as a way to ward off evil spirits and ensure the well-being of livestock, crops, and the community. Participants, often young men, would dress in costumes resembling hunters, animals, or mythical creatures, and engage in masked processions through villages. These figures were sometimes associated with the *kütt* (hunter) or *tõll* (plowman), symbolizing the struggle between life and death, fertility, and protection against malevolent forces.

By the 19th and early 20th centuries, the practice had become more secularized, blending with Christian influences, particularly around the feast of St. John the Baptist. The rituals often included bonfires, singing, and the blessing of homes and fields. However, with the rise of industrialization and secularization, many of these customs faded, though some remnants persist in regional folklore and cultural festivals.

Today, *kütteelemendina* is primarily studied as part of Estonian ethnography and folklore, representing a blend of animistic beliefs, agricultural cycles, and communal solidarity. It is sometimes revived in cultural events to preserve traditional practices, though its modern interpretations vary widely. The ritual reflects broader Baltic and Slavic winter solstice traditions, such as the Russian *Kupala Night* or Latvian *Jāņi*, which share themes of fire, purification, and the transition into the new year.