Lohkude

Lohkude is a term used in Estonia to refer to a specific type of rural settlement or a collection of homesteads. It is often characterized by a relatively dispersed pattern of houses, where each household has its own land and operates somewhat independently. Unlike more concentrated villages, lohkude settlements are not typically centered around a single public space or building. The term emphasizes the individual farmsteads and their immediate surroundings.

The development of lohkude settlements is often tied to historical land division practices and agricultural traditions. In many Estonian rural areas, the land was divided into parcels for individual families, leading to the formation of these dispersed communities. The exact size and density of a lohkude can vary significantly. Some may consist of just a few neighboring farms, while others can encompass a larger area with more scattered dwellings.

The social structure within a lohkude might be less formalized than in a more compact village. Neighborly relations are important, but the emphasis is on the autonomy of each homestead. Access to shared resources or community decision-making might be less prominent compared to nucleated settlements. The term lohkude is a descriptive one, highlighting a particular way of organizing rural life and land use in Estonia, reflecting a history of individual land ownership and agricultural practices.