veeringetust

Veeringetust refers to a traditional Estonian folk custom that involves the blessing of plows and other agricultural tools before the start of the spring plowing season. This practice is deeply rooted in Estonian rural culture and reflects the community’s reliance on agriculture for survival. The ritual typically takes place in early spring, often on the first day of plowing, and is believed to ensure a bountiful harvest and protect against misfortune.

The ceremony usually begins with a communal gathering where farmers bring their plows, harrows, and other essential farming implements. A respected elder or a person with spiritual knowledge, often referred to as a *tädi* (a traditional healer or wise woman), leads the blessing. The tools are anointed with water, sometimes mixed with herbs or blessed by a priest in a Christian context, symbolizing purification and the invocation of divine or ancestral protection.

In some regions, the plow is also adorned with flowers, ribbons, or other decorative elements to honor the spirits of the land and ancestors. Participants may recite prayers, chants, or verses, some of which are passed down through generations. The act of veeringetust is not only a spiritual practice but also a social event, fostering unity among the farming community.

While the practice has declined with the modernization of agriculture, it remains an important cultural tradition in parts of Estonia. Some rural communities still observe veeringetust as a way to preserve their heritage and maintain a connection to their agricultural past. The ritual underscores the balance between practical farming needs and spiritual beliefs in Estonian folklore.