Abstract
Sacred springs, although known from Finland, have been the object of very little research so far. Among sacred natural sites, sacred springs are a prevailing type in southwest Finland.
This paper focuses on the tradition of youth gatherings at sacred springs in southwest Finland. Focus lies on the cultural, geographic and social spatiality of the sacred springs in the village landscape, based on the theories of Kim Knott and Yi-Fu Tuan.
Revelry at sacred springs on st. John´s eve have a focus on the youth. Common elements include trying to predict one´s future spouse by gazing into the spring at midnight.
The springs studied often lie on the outskirts of villages or even parishes. The youth revel outside the central areas of the farms, free of the social control of the farm masters.
This paper focuses on the tradition of youth gatherings at sacred springs in southwest Finland. Focus lies on the cultural, geographic and social spatiality of the sacred springs in the village landscape, based on the theories of Kim Knott and Yi-Fu Tuan.
Revelry at sacred springs on st. John´s eve have a focus on the youth. Common elements include trying to predict one´s future spouse by gazing into the spring at midnight.
The springs studied often lie on the outskirts of villages or even parishes. The youth revel outside the central areas of the farms, free of the social control of the farm masters.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Sacred Waters |
| Subtitle of host publication | A Cross-Cultural Compendium of Hallowed Springs and Holy Wells |
| Editors | Celeste Ray |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Chapter | 20 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781003010142 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780367445133 |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Feb 2020 |
| MoE publication type | A3 Part of a book or another research book |