elämänhenkeä
elämänhenkeä is a Finnish term that translates to "life force" or "spirit of life." It is a concept that permeates various aspects of Finnish culture, from folklore and mythology to modern-day wellness and ecological perspectives. In its most fundamental sense, elämänhenkeä refers to the vital energy or essence that animates all living things. This can be understood as a spiritual or metaphysical force that distinguishes the living from the non-living.
Historically, elämänhenkeä was a central concept in Finnish shamanism and animistic beliefs. It was thought to
In contemporary Finnish thought, the concept of elämänhenkeä continues to resonate, though its interpretation may vary.