Finnish Folk Magic: Fish Symbolism And Superstitions

Eels are known as "airokala" and "airokas," meaning "oar fish," likely due to their shape. Perch is one of the most common fish in Finnish waters. The Finnish name of the fish Ahven may have some connection to the name Ahti. Perch was seen as a magical fish, for they were quite easy to catch, and one could get many at once. An old folktale tells about a pact between the pike perch and the pike. In the summer, they get along, swimming together in the warm waters, but in winter, they become enemies, fighting with one another.

Transcript

Hello friends! Today I'm going to share you some stories from Finnish mythology that are about different types of fish and their symbolism and superstitions. Enjoy! Eel. Ankerias. Eels swim to Finnish waters from the distant Sarkasso Sea. In the past, There was rumors about the long lifespan of eels and their migration patterns and how they gathered together to die. Today, Eels are known as airokala and airokas, Meaning oarfish, Likely due to their shape. While people did not traditionally eat eels, Their skin was used to make belts and straps. It was believed that eels were related to snakes and that they were afraid of thunder. During autumn, When people went night fishing, Eels were considered particularly dangerous, Especially if a storm was approaching. In the folklore, Lightning was connected with snakes and other creatures that slither because of their similar shape. The mysterious nature of the eel has led people to believe that it possessed supernatural powers, As it can cross land areas and jump back into the water. Many folk tales associated with eels incorporate Christian elements. According to one belief, The eel was born from the saliva of a sleeping devil. When the devil awoke, He threw part of his saliva onto the land and the other part into the river. The saliva that landed into the bushes became a snake, While the part that fell into the water became an eel. Perch is one of the most common fish in the Finnish waters. The Finnish name of the fish, Ahven, Possibly has some connections with the name ahti, The god of the sea. Perch was seen as a magical fish, For they were quite easy to catch, And one could get many at once. Perch was related with ahti and also ukko, The god of thunder, For small perch was sometimes called ukkonen. Pike perch, Kuha. An old folk tale tells about a pact between the pike perch and the pike. In the summer they get along swimming in the warm waters together, But in winter they become enemies fighting with one another. Catfish, Monni. Monni, The catfish, Has been referred to as slaimai and mossmouth. Catfish became extinct in Finland in the 19th century. They were only found in certain areas even before that. The Finnish word, Monni, Translates to something very large. In ancient times finding a catfish in a fishing net could have been interpreted as an omen of death. This type of fish was called marraskala. Burbo, Made. Burbots live in the bottom of the lakes and seas and were often connected with snakes. In the folklore, Burbot was seen as a mysterious fish and was connected with Alinen, The underworld. Burbot do not appear in the folk poems. Salmon, Lohi. Salmons were caught for food and sold in the markets. They were associated with the powers of water and rapid rivers. It was believed that the only force that could tame the salmon was thunder. In the 16th century one name for salmon was louhikala, Which refers to Louhi, The goddess of witchcraft. This name also suggests the supernatural nature of the fish. Salmon was described as a masculine fish, While whitefish was considered feminine. The traits associated with salmon included strength, Activity, Wealth and singing. Another name for the big dipper, An important constellation in Finnish folklore, Was net of salmon. Stars were compared to scales and were said to glitter like toes of a fish. Pike, Hauki. In Finnish folklore, Pike was considered the leader of the fish and was often referred to as the water dog, A name that reflects its hunter nature. The Finnish verb haukkua means to bark. The term auki means open, Which may refer to the pike's large open mouth. Nicknames like water dog and water wolf describe its predatory nature. The pike was also seen as a symbol of greed due to its behavior of eating smaller fish. In witchcraft, The bones and skull of the pike were used for various purposes. Some of the bones in the skull had interesting names such as stepmother's arm, And many of these names were related to fishing, Farming and shamanism. Additionally, The pike was sometimes associated with the concept of maras, Representing an omen of death. In certain regions of Finland, People kept fish that were known as aljohauk in wells and springs. These pikes would eat frogs in the well, Helping to keep the water pure. They also served as a meter for water quality, Particularly because it was not unheard for envious neighbors to poison wells. Pike had an unusual connection with the harvest. For instance, It was said that stealing three grains of seed, Placing them into the mouth of a living fish, And then releasing the fish into the water could ruin a crop. This indicated a possible division between the wacky of the water and the wacky of the earth. While it was commonly believed that fish could ruin the growth of grain, There were unique practices that suggested otherwise. The bones of pike could enhance harvest luck. One method involved wrapping the jaw bones of nine pikes with red yarn and placing them underneath the seed crop. White fish, Siika. One of the oldest Finnish myths tells a curious story about a white fish and how humans learned to use fire. Tale begins when Ukko, The god of the sky, Creates lightning. One of the sparks falls into the water, Causing it to dry up and burn all the fish, Except for the white fish, Which swallows the spark. As the spark burns the white fish, It gets eaten by a salmon. The salmon is then consumed by a pike. During this time, The first fishnet is created, Which is used to catch the pike. When the pike is cut open, People discover the salmon, The white fish, And the original spark of fire inside. Initially the spark poses a threat, Trying to burn the people. However, A witch intervenes and calms the spark down. Eventually humans learn to harness the spark to create fire using a tinderbox. This myth is thought to originate from observations of meteorites, Or the way lightning might cause fires when it strikes the ground. The involvement of fish may symbolize the essential survival skills that people needed, Such as fishing and making fire. Crucian carp is a magical fish found in Sámi folklore. Ruto, The god of diseases, May have inspired the name, Ruutana. The old expression, Olla ruutanalla, Referred to someone who was overly excited or in an intense mood. The crucian carp is known for its ability to thrive in harsh, Natural conditions, Such as ponds with low oxygen levels and desert lakes in Lapland, Which were believed to be connected to the underworld. Spell for fishing, Form mantled ahti of the seal, Read bearded old man of the sea, Throw over tea-lug, Bring clothes, Put on gift-giving shirts, At this thai time, For giving gifts, And this my day for catching fish, Give me thy gift, Abundantly and promptly, Drown the crowd that fills the watery tent, The dwellers underneath the wave, From sand-banks scatter in the fish, The perch which shore, And crook-necks, Oh listen to the music here, Oh wildest mistress, Father's old wife with reedy breasts, Come here to exchange thy shirt, Change thy clothes, On thee is a shirt of reeds, On thee is a sea-foam cloak, Made by the daughter of the wind, The gift of aalotar, I give thee a linen shirt, Of linen entirely made by kuutar, Woven and spun by päivätar.