kehämies

A kehämies is a Finnish term that roughly translates to "wicker man" or "straw man." It traditionally refers to a large, human-shaped effigy constructed from straw or wicker, often used in various folk customs and festivals. Historically, these figures were associated with agricultural rituals, particularly those marking the end of the harvest season or the transition into winter. The burning or destruction of the kehämies was symbolic, representing the end of the old cycle and the hope for a prosperous new one.

The practice of creating and destroying kehämies figures has roots in ancient European pagan traditions, with similar effigies found in other cultures. In some instances, the kehämies might have represented a harvest deity or a personification of the year's end. The specific customs varied regionally within Finland and across different communities. While the practice declined with modernization and the spread of Christianity, elements of it have been revived in some modern festivals and artistic performances, often retaining their symbolic connection to the past and the turning of seasons. The term can also be used metaphorically in modern Finnish to refer to a weak or easily defeated opponent, or someone whose arguments lack substance.