Tegevuslauseid

Tegevuslauseid (also known as votive clauses) are inscriptions found on stone monuments and artifacts in Estonia, particularly from the pre-Christian and early Christian periods. These inscriptions often express gratitude or request protection, usually from the gods or supernatural forces. The inscriptions typically include a statement of the person or group making the request, their wishes, and often the date or specific event that prompted the inscription.

Many tegevuslauseid have been found in ancient Estonian burial sites and shrines, as well as on stone artifacts such as weaving stones. These inscriptions often consist of short phrases, sometimes only a single word. The texts can be in different languages, including Estonian, Finnish, and Swedish.

Common themes in tegevuslauseid include:

* Requests for the deceased to have a safe journey to the afterlife

* Summoning of protection or guidance

* Gratitude to the gods for a specific event or outcome

* Invocation of fertility or prosperity

* Reference to specific deities, such as the Aestii god Kanalojc

These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the spiritual and cultural practices of ancient Estonian and Baltic communities. The analysis of tegevuslauseid helps scholars understand the meaning and worship practices related to regional deities and the notion of the spirit world.