Paksuntaamisen

Paksuntaamisen is a traditional Finnish burial practice originating from the Sami people living in northern Finland. The term translates to "burial in a pit" and was once a common method of interment among the Sámi communities.

Paksuntaamisen involved digging a large pit in the ground, typically in a secluded area, where the deceased was buried. The burial pit was often deep, sometimes up to two meters, and the deceased was placed in a sitting position, wrapped in animal furs and birch bark. The pit was then covered with wooden planks and branches, and finally with earth and stones.

The practice of paksuntaamisen has been linked to the ancient Viking and pagan rituals of the region. The burial pits were often positioned near the home of the deceased, and in some cases, near locations of spiritual significance. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous paksuntaamisen burial pits, which have provided valuable insights into the traditions and customs of the Sámi people.

Although paksuntaamisen is not as widespread as it once was, remnants of the practice can still be found in certain regions of Finland. Many Sámi families have maintained their ancestral traditions, and some continue to honor their deceased loved ones through similar burial customs.

The study of paksuntaamisen has contributed significantly to the understanding of Finnish and Sámi history and cultural heritage. Researchers have been able to reconstruct the lives and traditions of the ancient Sámi communities through the analysis of archaeological finds and oral traditions.