Original title: Pyhät puut
Author: Reetta Ranta
Published: 2025
Publisher: FINLAND: SKS Kirjat (orig.)
Genre: General Nonfiction
Reading material:
English sample and synopsis
Finnish manuscript
Sacred Trees invites readers on a journey to discover the stories, rituals, and wisdom entwined with trees in Finnish history and mythology.
Sacred Trees is a deeply personal and culturally rich exploration of a people’s ancient connection with trees and the spiritual significance they held in Finnish and Karelian traditions. The book uncovers the vibrant traditions of tree worship, many of which persisted into the 20th century; the relationships people held with sacred groves, and offering trees (pitämyspuu), which were woven into daily life. Women played a central role in these practices, tending sacred trees through rituals that fostered the spiritual connection between nature and humanity, making such offerings as tastes of the first harvest, bounty from foraging and hunting, or a mother’s breast milk.
The book also delves into the significance of memorial trees (karsikkopuu) and bear skull pines (karhunkallohonka), which held a central role in hunting magic and honoring the deceased. Readers will learn how these traditions honored nature spirits, ancestors, and life cycles through rituals, offerings, and festivals such as Kekri, the Finnish harvest celebration.
In addition to exploring historical and mythological aspects, Sacred Trees highlights the enduring magic of trees in modern life. Drawing from primary sources from the Finnish Literature Society archives (1700s to 1960s), modern science and wellbeing research, and first-person interviews of people’s current-day relationship with trees, the book is a multidimensional invitation to readers to reconnect with nature.
It’s truly fascinating to discover the rich folklore and traditions of the Nordic regions through Reetta Ranta’s work. Her books offer the perfect gateway to understanding the significance of rituals in daily life, our deep connection with nature and how this ancient Nordic wisdom can be incorporated into your own life. We are thrilled to bring this timeless Nordic wisdom to the Dutch readers.
– Josephine Monnickendam, Meulenhoff, the Netherlands
Loukko by 

