Lõikamistest

Lõikamistest refers to a traditional Estonian folk practice involving specific rituals and beliefs surrounding cutting various things, most notably hair, nails, and sometimes even the umbilical cord of newborns. These practices are deeply rooted in a desire to ensure well-being, good fortune, and to ward off negative influences.

In the context of hair cutting, it was believed that cutting hair at certain times or in certain ways could affect a person's vitality, health, or even luck. For example, it was sometimes advised to cut children's hair for the first time on a specific anniversary or during a particular moon phase. Similarly, nail clipping also carried symbolic meaning, with traditions dictating when and how nails should be trimmed to avoid bad luck or illness.

The cutting of the umbilical cord after birth was a particularly significant ritual. The way it was cut and what was done with the placenta and cord remnants were believed to influence the child's future health and destiny. Specific tools and methods were often employed, and accompanying blessings or prayers were common.

These practices are generally considered part of Estonia's rich folklore and cultural heritage, reflecting a time when people sought to understand and influence the world around them through symbolic actions and adherence to tradition. While many of these beliefs are no longer widely practiced in their original form, they remain an important part of Estonian cultural history.