kihelmivinä

Kihelmivinä is a term that appears in some Estonian folklore and witchcraft traditions. It is generally understood to refer to a type of malicious spirit or supernatural entity that can cause a burning or stinging sensation, often described as "kihelemine" in Estonian, which translates to itching or tingling. This sensation is believed to be inflicted by the kihelmivinä upon individuals, sometimes as a form of curse or punishment.

The exact nature and appearance of a kihelmivinä are not consistently defined across different regional variations of folklore. Some descriptions suggest it might be invisible, while others imply a more corporeal, albeit often frightening, form. Its actions are typically focused on causing physical discomfort and distress to the victim. The purpose behind the kihelmivinä's actions can vary, ranging from personal vendettas to broader malevolent intentions.

In traditional Estonian healing practices and protective rituals, there would be methods and incantations employed to ward off or banish a kihelmivinä. These might involve specific herbs, symbolic gestures, or spoken spells aimed at neutralizing the entity's power. The concept of the kihelmivinä highlights a part of Estonian cultural understanding of unseen forces and the ways in which they were believed to interact with the human world.