Loukko by 
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.
“REDFeather Mind Body Spirit (Schiffer Publishing) is thrilled to welcome Timeless Nordic Rituals and the Nordic Forest Rituals Oracle to our upcoming seasons. We greatly appreciate the meticulous thought, research and insight that Reetta has poured into both of these fantastic projects. The artwork on the Oracle is absolutely captivating and transports the reader into the mystic forest of Finnish folklore. These titles are the perfect resource for readers interested in connecting spiritually with the rich lore and traditions of the Nordic region, and we greatly look forward to working with Reetta on making them available to a wider audience.”
– Crystal Mannara, Director, REDFeather, Schiffer Publishing, USA (Timeless Nordic Rituals)
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