valgukehade

Valgukehade refers to a traditional Estonian folk custom practiced during the winter solstice, particularly around the period of *Jõulud* (Christmas) and *Uus aast* (New Year). The term combines "valgus" (light) and "kehade" (bodies or figures), indicating rituals centered on light, protection, and the purification of homes and individuals. These customs are deeply rooted in pre-Christian pagan traditions, later blending with Christian influences.

The most well-known aspect of valgukehade involves the use of light to ward off evil spirits and misfortune. Households would light candles, bonfires, or lanterns to symbolize the return of the sun after the shortest day of the year. In some regions, people would carry lit torches or candles through villages, a practice believed to cleanse the land of negative energy. Additionally, effigies made of straw or wood, known as *kehad* (figures), were sometimes burned in bonfires as a symbolic act of renewal.

Another common tradition was the preparation of special foods, such as *kama* (a type of porridge) or *suitsukook* (a sweet bread), which were shared among neighbors to foster community and goodwill. In some areas, young men would visit homes to sing or perform skits in exchange for treats, a custom similar to modern Christmas caroling.

Valgukehade customs varied by region, but the core themes of light, protection, and communal celebration remained consistent. While many of these traditions have faded in modern times, they continue to be observed in some rural areas and during cultural festivals that celebrate Estonian heritage. The practices reflect a broader Baltic and Slavic tradition of winter solstice observances, emphasizing the triumph of light over darkness.