määrimisviise

Määrimisviise refers to a concept in Finnish folk music, particularly associated with Karelian traditions, though variations can be found elsewhere. It translates loosely to "anointing tunes" or "greasing melodies." The term describes a type of instrumental music, often played on the kantele or fiddle, that was used in healing rituals and ceremonies.

These tunes were believed to have magical properties, capable of soothing pain, mending ailments, and even warding off evil spirits. The musician, or "määrimäinen," would play specific melodies while applying ointments, herbs, or other substances to the afflicted area or person. The music was not merely accompaniment but an integral part of the healing process, working in conjunction with the physical remedies.

The exact melodies and their associated rituals varied, often passed down orally within families or communities. The performance style was typically slow, repetitive, and hypnotic, intended to induce a trance-like state in both the healer and the patient. While the practice is largely historical, the concept of music's therapeutic or even mystical powers is a recurring theme in many cultures, and määrimisviise offers a specific example from Finnish folklore.