Tetäng

Tetäng refers to a small, usually rectangular patch of land, often cultivated, that is part of a larger agricultural holding. The term is commonly used in some parts of Europe, particularly in historical contexts or in regions where land ownership is fragmented. Tetängs were often passed down through generations or allocated to individuals within a community for subsistence farming.

These small plots could be used for growing crops such as grains, vegetables, or fodder for livestock. Their size and configuration could vary greatly depending on local traditions, topography, and historical land division practices. In some instances, tetängs were located at a distance from the main farmstead, requiring the farmer to travel to tend to them. The concept of tetängs is closely linked to older forms of land tenure and agricultural organization, where resources were often shared or divided among a community.

The existence of numerous small tetängs could lead to a fragmented landscape, with different patches belonging to various owners or families. This fragmentation often influenced farming techniques and the types of crops grown, as intensive cultivation might not have been feasible on very small areas. While the term is less prevalent in modern, large-scale industrial agriculture, it can still be found in discussions of historical farming methods, rural landscapes, and the social structures of past agricultural societies.