hingatav

Hingatav refers to a traditional Estonian folk custom and ritual associated with the end of the harvest season and the transition into winter. The term originates from the Estonian words *hinge* (meaning "soul" or "spirit") and *tav* (meaning "custom" or "tradition"), collectively signifying a practice meant to honor ancestors and ward off evil spirits.

The ritual typically took place in late autumn, often around the time of the pagan festival of *Kübarpäev* (Straw Day), which marked the end of the agricultural year. During hingatav, villagers would gather to perform various ceremonies, including the burning of effigies made from straw, hay, or other natural materials. These effigies, sometimes shaped like humans or animals, symbolized the spirits of the harvest and the old year. The act of burning was believed to purify the land, release trapped spirits, and ensure a prosperous new cycle.

In some regions, participants would also recite prayers, sing songs, or perform dances to appease the spirits and protect the community from misfortune. The ashes from the burning were sometimes scattered in fields to bless the soil for the coming year. While hingatav was rooted in pre-Christian animistic beliefs, it was later adapted to fit within the Christian calendar, sometimes aligning with All Saints' Day or other autumnal observances.

The practice declined with the spread of Christianity and modernization, but remnants of hingatav endure in certain rural areas as part of broader folk traditions. Today, it is primarily studied as an example of Estonian cultural heritage, illustrating the deep connection between agriculture, spirituality, and seasonal change in Baltic folklore.