vihkamust

Vihkamust is a term that appears in some historical Finnish contexts, often associated with the practice of magic or folk remedies. Its precise meaning can be elusive, as it is not a widely documented or standardized term in contemporary academic or linguistic studies of Finnish folklore. Generally, it is understood to refer to a dark, often viscous substance, sometimes described as a type of magical ointment, potion, or even a manifestation of a spiritual entity or curse.

The preparation of vihkamust was believed to involve specific ingredients, which could include natural elements like herbs, animal parts, or minerals, often combined with incantations or ritualistic processes. It was thought to be used for various purposes, ranging from protective charms to harmful spells. In some traditions, it might have been applied to objects or directly to a person. The concept of vihkamust is closely tied to older shamanistic beliefs and the practices of folk healers and sorcerers in rural Finland.

Due to its nature as a term from localized folk traditions, detailed historical accounts are scarce and often anecdotal. The word itself is a compound of "vihka," which can refer to a bundle of reeds or straw, or in some contexts, a contraceptive or abortifacient, and "must," meaning black. This etymology suggests a dark, potentially illicit or potent substance with connotations of concealment or protection, or even something harmful. Discussions of vihkamust are typically found in anthropological surveys of Finnish magic and superstition.