Päivätär (pronounced [ˈpæi̯ʋætær]; lit. 'Lady Sun') is the goddess of the Sun in Finnish mythology. She owns the silver of the Sun, spins silver yarns, and weaves clothes out of them.[1] In Kalevala, young maidens ask Päivätär to give them some of her silver jewellery and clothes.[2] She is described as a great beauty.[3]

Professor Anna-Leena Siikala finds it possible that Päivätär was a goddess who ruled over life and light. During Christian period, she was replaced by Virgin Mary.[4]

In Finnish folk poetry, Päivätär is known as the mother of wasps.[1] Another name which appears in folk poetry is Auringotar, which has the same meaning as Päivätär. Auringotar is mentioned as the creator of fire.[5]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Pulkkinen, Risto; Lindfors, Stina (2016). Suomalaisen kansanuskon sanakirja. Gaudeamus. ISBN 978-952-495-405-1.
  2. ↑ Kalevala, Rune IV.
  3. ↑ Kalevala, Rune IV, XXV, XLI. the Sun's sweet maidens
  4. ↑ Kauhanen, Erkki (2003). "Samaanien Suomessa hyöri jumalia luonnon täydeltä". Tiede. Retrieved 2017-06-13.
  5. ↑ Haataja, Heikki (1916). "Tulen jälki". Suomen kansan vanhat runot. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
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