päikeserattal

Päikeseratas, often translated as "sunwheel" or "sun-disc," is a symbolic motif found in various cultures and historical periods. It typically depicts a circle with rays emanating from its center, representing the sun and its life-giving properties. The sunwheel can be interpreted in numerous ways, often symbolizing cycles of life, death, and rebirth, as well as cosmic order and divine power.

The imagery of the sunwheel has appeared in ancient European art, particularly in Neolithic and Bronze Age contexts, often associated with celestial worship and fertility rituals. Similar symbols can be found in indigenous cultures across the Americas, where they hold deep spiritual significance, representing the sun's journey across the sky and its connection to the natural world. In some traditions, the sunwheel is also linked to the concept of eternity and the cyclical nature of time. While the exact meaning can vary greatly depending on the specific cultural context, the sunwheel consistently serves as a powerful visual representation of the sun's fundamental importance to human existence and belief systems.