skabbgångar

Skabbgångar, also known as "skabbgängar" or "skabbgangers," are a phenomenon observed in the Swedish province of Skåne, particularly in the region around the town of Svedala. The term refers to a group of individuals who, according to local folklore, are said to engage in a peculiar behavior where they repeatedly and systematically remove and replace stones from a specific area, often in a graveyard or a cemetery.

The practice of skabbgångar is believed to be a form of ritual or symbolic act, with no clear explanation for the motivation behind it. The stones are typically moved a short distance and then replaced in a different position, often in a pattern that seems to have no logical or practical purpose. The phenomenon has been documented since at least the 19th century, with various theories proposed to explain it, including supernatural, psychological, or even practical reasons such as marking territory or creating a specific landscape feature.

Despite numerous attempts to understand or stop the skabbgångar, the behavior continues to this day. The practice has become a local curiosity and a subject of interest for researchers, historians, and tourists alike, who are drawn to the mystery and the unique cultural aspect it represents. The skabbgångar are not considered a threat or a disturbance to the community, but rather a quirky and intriguing part of the region's heritage.