Veikaukset

Veikaukset is a Finnish term that broadly refers to ancestral practices, traditions, and beliefs that predate Christian influence in Finland. These often encompass a complex system of nature worship, shamanism, and animism. The term itself is not a single, unified religious doctrine but rather a retrospective label applied to a diverse range of indigenous spiritual expressions.

Key aspects of veikaukset often involved veneration of natural phenomena such as forests, lakes, and the sun. Deities or spirits were believed to inhabit these elements, and rituals were performed to appease them, seek their favor, or ensure good harvests and protection. Ancestor worship also played a significant role, with spirits of the deceased being consulted or honored.

The practice of shamanism, where individuals acted as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, was central to many of these traditions. Shamans, often called 'tietäjä' in Finnish, would enter trance states to diagnose illnesses, foretell the future, or retrieve lost souls. The use of talismans, amulets, and specific rituals for protection and well-being were also common.

With the gradual Christianization of Finland, which began in the 11th century and intensified over subsequent centuries, these indigenous practices were suppressed and often merged with or transformed into folk customs. While organized veikaukset as a distinct religious system largely disappeared, many of its elements persisted in folklore, rural traditions, and certain elements of Finnish folk belief. Today, the term is primarily used in academic and cultural contexts to discuss Finland's pre-Christian heritage.