The Estonian tradition of Hingedepäev

Autumn is a lovely time of year. The changing leaves create vibrant colours that provides a delightful change to the landscape. In the Estonian folk calendar late autumn marks the end of the harvest season and it then becomes 'soul time'. This is the period when the veil separating the world of the living and the world of the  dead is at it's thinnest.  It was believed that during this time, deceased souls would visit to ensure protection of crops, sheep, and cattle.

In Estonia Hingedepäev / All Souls' Day is celebrated on the second of November. In days of old families would honour departed souls by heating the sauna and placing a meal for them on the table. Today, people tend to light candles in cemeteries and by the window sill in homes to welcome the souls of departed relatives.  The foggy mist of autumn is a clear sign that the spirits are on their way!

This year's Gingerbread Mania theme is 'Fairytale'

Every year since 2006, over 500 talented artists come together to create wonderful items made from gingerbread. Piparkoogimaania / Gingerbread Mania is one of the most popular Christmas events in Tallinn where people can view these delightful gingerbread works of art. Every year the exhibition has a different theme and for 2024 it is 'Fairytale' or 'Muinasjutt' in Estonian.

Piparkoogimaania / Gingerbread Mania  opens every day at 11am from 3rd December 2024 - 5th January 2025. More information, including the history of gingerbread, can be found on their website http://piparkoogimaania.ee/en/

Photo flashback: An Estonian wedding

It's fascinating looking through old Estonian photographs. Especially ones that reveal traditions that are no longer practiced today. I've noticed in many old Estonian wedding photographs, that there is often a person dressed with a mask, costume or party hat in the group photo. I've often wondered what the meaning is behind this custom.

Voldemar Smetanin and the history of the Tallinn Statistics Bureau

A few days ago World Statistics Day took place. The day went by fairly unnoticed by most people, but in Estonia, there is an interesting history behind the beginning of the Tallinn City Statistics Bureau. Voldemar Smetanin was the first head of the Tallinn City Statistics Bureau and the Tallinn Family Status Board. In March 1920 he had the honour of signing the first historic non-church marriage in the Republic of Estonia between Hugo Reimann and Hilda Eichenbaum. Later that same day he also signed the marriage document of Estonian writer Anton Hansen Tammsaare and his wife Käthe.

 

Voldemar Smetanin with his wife Valesca Smetanin (Eichfuss) and children.

Valesca is the daughter of my great-grandmother's cousin.

Voldemar Smetanin was a man with many interests. During his lifetime he was a member of the State Statistical Council, manager of the Bureau of the Estonian Cities Association, a member of a committee between the associations of cities of the Baltic States, the editor of the magazine Linnad ja Alevid, the editor-in-charge of the magazine Estonian Cities, the chairman of the board of the garden city construction association Uus Tare and a member of the Tallinn Men's Song Society.

Sadly, Voldemar Smetanin was another victim of communism. When the Soviets invaded Estonia he was arrested like so many other public figures and sent to a prison camp. He was killed in Karaganda prison camp in Kazakhstan. Most of Smetanin's descendants today live in Germany.

Photo flashback: Tallinn 1920

Tallinn's Viru Gate has long been a prominent feature of the city. This colourised photo of Viru Street captures a moment in time showing the entrance to the Old Town in 1920.

 

Estonians and Finns love their sauna culture!

In celebration of International Sauna Day that took place in June 8, Visit Estonia in partnership with Estonian and Finnish sauna organisations came up with the idea for a Guinness World Record attempt. The project was called "Most Photos of People in Saunas Posted on Facebook in One Hour." Sauna enthusiasts from 47 countries took part in the event and uploaded photos during the designated hour (7 - 8pm). Of the 3909 photographs submitted, 3602 qualified for the World Record. This was an exciting event for Estonians who have never done anything like this before, and a great partnership with Finland for achieving the Guinness World Record in this category.

I participated in the event and was thrilled to receive this certificate.

RAIKU: The Estonian company that created an environmentally viable alternative to bubble wrap

I love Estonian ingenuity, especially products that are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. The Estonian company RAIKU has done just that by producing 100% biodegradable, protective packaging using wood, a viable alternative to single use plastic packaging. RAIKU was founded in 2021 by Karl Pärtel and Rain Randsberg and already supplies several luxury goods manufacturers in France including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Moët & Chandon.

RAIKU's range not only uses a renewable resource, it is also biodegradable, recyclable and chemical-free.  Raiku's 100% natural packaging material is currently making waves around the world due to its great look, excellent shock absorption, and the lowest carbon footprint. RAIKU aims to revolutionise the innovative packaging industry and it looks like the company has a bright future ahead.

You can learn more about RAIKU from their website here.

Photo flashback: Tallinn 1941

Here is an old photograph taken on the corner of Pärnu maantee and Suur karja street in 1941. The image shows two men looking at an advertisement showcasing a magazine. At the top of the display it reads 'tellige' - subscribe!

''Free Winds'' - New online exhibition about Estonians refugees who fled Sweden in the 1940s

After World War Two, Estonian refugees living in Sweden didn't feel safe from the reach of the Soviet Union and made the decision to escape further afield by sailing across the Atlantic. Free Winds is a new online exhibition highlighting the extraordinary voyages of thousands of Estonians who secretly fled Sweden in the late 1940s. These brave people risked their lives and sailed in old, battered boats across the Atlantic Ocean to freedom. The Free Winds exhibition was created by The Vabamu Musuem of Occupations and Freedom in Tallinn and can be viewed here.

Estonia 6th in the World for Freedom of the Press

Estonia has improved its ranking in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index. Out of the 180 countries measured, Estonia has risen two places to sixth place with a score of 86.44. This is another great result for Estonia!

Estonian meteorologist among finalists in WMO photo competition

Estonian meteorologist Kairo Kitsik has taken many stunning images of Estonia's landscape over the years. His work has impressed the judges in the international photo competition organised by WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) and is now among the finalists. The public voting round of the competition is now open and you can vote for Kairo Kitsik on the WMO Facebook page. Voting ends on 21 October 2024.

Two of his works in the running are:

 

Title: Frosty beauties
Description: With fog and crisp temperatures, nature is sometimes covered with a wonderful frost that creates picturesque scenes. This photo was taken in Lääne-Viru County where temperatures drop down to -20°C . 

 

Title: It´s raining colours 

Description: In May 2024, we witnessed a very strong geomagnetic storm that that put out a mind-blowing northern lights display. This photo was taken in Lääne-Viru County.  

 

The winning photographs of the competition will feature in the World Meteorological Organisation 2025 Calendar and will be showcased on WMO’s social media channels and website. They will also feature prominently during the World Meteorological Day 2025 celebrations.

 

You can vote for Kairo Kitsak here.