 Astrology: Moon, Mercury Goddesses: Akka/Rauni (the earth goddess), Mielikki (the forest goddess), Virgin Mary Season: Spring Element: Water Symbolism: Rebirth, awakening nature Sabbath: Matopäivä (worm day/snake day) Spring equanox In Finnish language there are two words for Willow. There is "paju" which means willow bush. "Paju" is a word with Finno-Ugric roots, and then there is "raita" which originates from Baltic languages and refers to the willow-tree. Willow grows very fast and can live up to 50-80 years. Willow grows next to water, in places that have lots of sunlight. "Willow has soul made of water" Estonian proverb In Finland and in Estonia willow branches were used as magic branches that people used to find underground fountains. Willows were also used to make baskets and to make fishing traps. Willow bark was used to make many different things. Shoes were weaved from it, also fishing nets and it was used to color threads and leather.  Folk magicians and shamans made tea out from willow bark. It was used to heal rheumatism, headache and to lower down fever. Before spreading of Christianity in Western Finland there was a custom to collect willow branches into a bowl and the position of the branches was used to forecast weather. In Eastern Finland willow branches were popular magic wands. During spring time they were used to perform rituals to protect cattle and land.
In Western Finland there is a tradition called "virpominen". It is an old custom to wish another person health and happiness on Palm Sunday by tapping them lightly with a willow twig and chanting a rhyme. This is still practiced in Western Finland (day is not always Palm Sunday, but it usually takes place during Easter week). Children dress up as witches and go from door to door exchanging brightly decorated willow twigs to money and candy. It´s a bit similar to Halloween trick or treating. Custom arrived to western Finland from Sweden in the 19th century. In Estonia Holy Sunday is known as Urbepäev referring to blooming willows. There was a custom in Estonia that in the morning of Urbepäiv family members who over-slept were awakened by touching them gently with a willow branch. Sometimes the awakener was the master of the house and at the same they pronounced a poem wishing good health and long age. People celebrated eating cookies and eggs. In Estonia as well, there was a custom to cast spells to protect the cattle and the farm lands.  Palm trees do not grow in the northern hemisphere, so when in the bible there was palm tree leaves in Scandinavia, Russia and within Baltic countries both Lutheran and Orthodox church replaced palm leaves with willow branches. In both Finland and in Estonia willow branches are important element in the Easter celebration of the Orthodox church. In pagan based belief systems willow symbolizes the awakening of the earth and rebirth of nature. Sources:
Kaarle Krohn: suomalaisten runojen uskonto, salakirjat Tree People/ Puiden kansa, Ritva Kovalainen, Seppo Sanni, Taivaannaula.org puiden juurilla
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Like one of my favorite Jo x Fritz fan fic writers wrote "What's transcendentalism without some discreet outdoor tumbles?" I started this painting already in October but life got busy so I just now got to finish it. Have you all read my big Bhaery essay? if you haven´t what are you waiting for! It is no secret I love these two. I love most film Jo´s and Friedrich´s but I really wanted to keep the original book looks. Prints and Pretty things available here https://www.redbubble.com/shop/p/45699206.LVTDI  Jo´s outfit was partially inspired by the more masculine look in the 2019 Little Women, which I actually quite liked but also some of Anne Shirley´s teacher clothes in Anne Green Gables series from the 80´s. I took some creative liberties. This takes places sometimes between Good Wives and Little Men. Jo is not a teacher but she runs the school with Fritz by her side.  Light effects were made with masking fluid. Painted with watercolors.   |
NiinaPronounced as Nee-na.
Artist, illustrator, writer, watercolorist and a folklorist. Gryffinclaw. Comes from Finland. Likes cats, tea and period dramas. 
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