Vehkimine

Vehkimine is a traditional Finnish folk custom primarily practiced in certain regions of Finland, notably in Savo. It involves the practice of blessing or warding off evil spirits from livestock, particularly cows, using specific rituals and incantations. This practice was historically important in agricultural communities where the health and productivity of animals were crucial for survival.

The rituals associated with vehkimine often took place at certain times of the year, such as during the spring when animals were first moved to pasture or before they were brought back in for the winter. The act could involve symbolically marking the animals, often with iron or specific herbs, and reciting ancient verses or prayers. These verses were believed to possess protective powers, ensuring the animals' well-being and fertility, and preventing them from falling ill or being harmed by supernatural forces.

Vehkimine was not a formal religious ceremony but rather a part of folk belief and practice. The knowledge and performance of these rituals were typically passed down through generations within families. While the prevalence of vehkimine has declined with modernization and changes in agricultural practices, elements of it have been preserved in folklore and cultural heritage studies, offering a glimpse into the historical relationship between humans, animals, and the spiritual world in rural Finland.