ristiluus

Ristiluus, also known as the "crossed sticks" or "crossed branches" ritual, is a traditional Finnish folk custom that has been practiced for centuries. The ritual is typically performed during the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and is believed to bring good fortune and protection for the coming year. The participants, usually a group of men, gather in a circle and hold two sticks or branches in their hands, crossing them in front of their chests. They then chant a traditional song, which varies by region, and walk around the circle in a clockwise direction. The ritual is accompanied by the sound of a drum, which is beaten in a specific rhythm. After completing the circle, the participants return to their starting point and release the sticks, which are then often burned as a symbol of the old year's end. The crossed sticks are believed to represent the sun, and the ritual is seen as a way to bring the light of the sun back to the world. Today, ristiluus is still practiced in some parts of Finland, although it has also been adopted by other cultures and communities around the world.