Stekijät

Stekijät is a Finnish term often translated as "stickers" or "clingers" and refers to a group of beings in Finnish folklore. These entities are typically described as invisible or difficult to perceive, and they attach themselves to people or animals, causing various ailments or misfortunes. Their nature is often ambiguous, sometimes seen as spirits or as a kind of parasitic entity.

Folklore suggests that Stekijät can latch onto individuals and feed on their vitality or life force. This can manifest as unexplained fatigue, illness, or even a general sense of unease. They are not usually depicted as actively malevolent in the way demons might be, but rather as a persistent and draining presence. The methods of dealing with Stekijät vary in different accounts, but often involve folk remedies, incantations, or seeking the help of a shaman or wise person to remove them.

The concept of Stekijät highlights a common theme in many folk traditions: the idea that unseen forces can influence human well-being. While modern interpretations might liken them to psychological afflictions or psychosomatic symptoms, within the context of traditional beliefs, they represented a tangible, albeit invisible, threat that required specific cultural responses. The belief in Stekijät served to explain inexplicable suffering and provided a framework for seeking relief through established folk practices.