ostohatusta

Ostohautaus is a Finnish term that refers to a term used in medieval Finland, particularly during the 13th to 15th centuries. It translates to "outdoor burial" in English, and was a common practice among Finns during this period.

Ostohautaus, as a funeral practice, involved burying the deceased in a grave dug into a mound or a slope in the middle of a field, usually far from a settlement. The location of such burials were often chosen for their significance, such as on a hilltop, ridge, or near a burial area of a noble or prominent person.

The graves were typically characterised by a simple or chambers of stone, sometimes containing inscriptions. These inscriptions, often written in Latin or an older form of Finnish, provided information about the deceased, including their name, title, and sometimes their occupation.

The practice of ostohautaus gradually fell out of use as Christianity spread throughout Finland during the Middle Ages. Pertti Anttila suggests that this shift in funerary practices occurred as early as the 12th century, and generally, the use of ostohautaus largely ceased by the 15th century.

Several examples of ostohautaus burial sites exist in Finland, including several notable mounds and hills. These sites have been the subject of archaeological studies and research, which have sought to learn more about the funerary and cultural practices of the period. As part of these studies, further insights have been gained into Finland's historical heritage and the evolution of funeral customs throughout the country's history.