Beiwe
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Beiwe is the spring and sun goddess worshipped by the Sami, the indigenous people of Finland. The myth has it that she travels with her daughter Beiwe-Neia through the sky in an enclosure covered by reindeer bones, bringing green plants back to the winter earth for the reindeer to eat. She was also called upon to restore mental health of those who went insane because of the darkness.
Worshippers of Beiwe sacrifice white female animals, and with the meat, thread and sticks, bed into rings with ribbons. They also cover their doorposts with butter so Beiwe can eat it and begin her journey once again. This is called the Festival of Beiwe.
She is associated with fertility of plants and animals, in particular reindeer.
[edit] References
- Encyclopedia Mythica
- December 2003 Holidays- School of Seasons
- NordicDeity
- A.R.E. Clinic - A perspective
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