Deep in the ancient woods of Finland, Lea Turto covered tree stumps in red felt as a way to examine the spiritual meaning of the forest and her own deep rooted Finnish culture.
Hiisi is a Finnish word, originally meaning a sacred grove. Hiisi was thought of as a temple: people gathered there to celebrate with food and to sacrifice to the forest gods. Hiisi was also a gateway to the past and a connection with the dead. It was an intermediate space between two worlds, and the Tree of Life was often situated in this grove. When Christianity arrived, the secret groves were destroyed and the name hiisi was changed to mean either devil or hell. Even so it is only some one hundred and fifteen years since sacrificial offerings were last found on the branches of the sacred trees, although the clergy had begun their destruction in 1229. Our native beliefs were strongly embedded in people's minds.
December 4th, is St. Barbara's Day and Wheat is her symbol. In France, especially in Provence, wheat grains are soaked in water, placed in dishes and set to germinate in a warm corner. The grain is carefully tended with the belief that if it grows fast - next years crops will do well! Personally, I love the way a bowl of green looks this time of year. Easy instructions to grow your own field of wheat Here! Painting below by Craig Stephens.
