Sieltävät

Sieltävät is a term used in some Baltic languages, notably Latvian, to refer to a type of folk belief or magical practice. It is not a single, monolithic concept but rather encompasses a range of traditional customs and superstitions believed to influence luck, health, or the outcome of events. These practices often involve specific rituals, the use of natural elements, or incantations.

Historically, sieltävät played a significant role in rural communities, providing a framework for understanding and interacting with the unseen forces believed to govern daily life. The specifics of sieltävät practices varied greatly by region and even by family, often passed down through oral tradition. Examples might include charms for protection against illness, rituals to ensure a good harvest, or methods for divining the future.

While modern society has seen a decline in the widespread practice of sieltävät, elements of these folk traditions can still be found in cultural expressions and some localized customs. They are of interest to folklorists and ethnographers studying the cultural heritage of the Baltic region, offering insights into historical beliefs and social structures. The term itself is often associated with a sense of ancient wisdom and connection to nature.