Footprint stones in Lithuania: origin, names, and rites

Collection:
Mokslo publikacijos / Scientific publications
Document Type:
Straipsnis / Article
Language:
Anglų kalba / English
Title:
Footprint stones in Lithuania: origin, names, and rites
Authors:
Vaitkevičius, Vykintas
In the Journal:
Journal for the study of religion, nature and culture, 2024, vol. 18, no. 1, p. 39-61
Subject Category:
LT
Senieji tikėjimai / Old religion; Papročiai. Apeigos / Customs. Rites.
Summary / Abstract:

ENThis study will examine unique monuments of the Baltic religion consisting of 231 stones with impressions reminiscent of human and/or animal footprints recorded in Lithuania. Data are drawn from archaeology, linguistics, folklore, ethnology, and history related to these stones. Footprint stones are autonomous natural holy places that rarely belong to complexes of archaeological and mythological sites. After the introduction of Christianity, Baltic chthonic gods and goddesses who were believed to have left traces of their presence on stones were either proclaimed evil spirits or granted the names of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christ, or other Christian holy figures. Religious rites recorded at the footprint stones by historical sources and/or those which have survived to this day have left no clear archaeological traces. Keywords: sacred landscape, natural places, Balts, Lithuania, footprint stones, rituals.

DOI:
10.1558/jsrnc.23402
ISSN:
1749-4907; 1749-4915
Subject:
Etnologija / Ethnology
Related Publications:
Permalink:
https://www.lituanistika.lt/content/13298
Updated:
2025-09-17 19:12:13
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