kõrvaküttimise

Kõrvaküttimine is a traditional Estonian folk practice that involves the ritualistic hunting of ears, specifically from hunted game. Historically, this practice was believed to hold spiritual significance, often tied to ensuring good luck, warding off evil spirits, or demonstrating respect for the hunted animal and the act of hunting itself. The ear was considered a symbolic part of the animal, and its removal was thought to imbue the hunter with certain protective qualities or appease forest spirits.

The specific methods and beliefs surrounding kõrvaküttimine varied across different regions and communities within Estonia. In some traditions, only the left ear might be taken, while in others, both ears could be removed. The ear was sometimes kept as a charm, hung on a belt, or incorporated into other talismans. This practice was more prevalent in rural areas where hunting was a significant part of life and folklore.

While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, kõrvaküttimine is rooted in animistic beliefs common in many ancient cultures, where animals were seen as possessing spirits and intermediary roles between the human and spiritual worlds. Over time, with the influence of Christianity and changing societal structures, the practice of kõrvaküttimine gradually declined. Today, it is largely considered a historical custom rather than an active tradition, preserved in folklore studies and historical accounts of Estonian rural life.