Othala - Ofiolatria

Ofiolatria, the worship of snakes, held a place of respect and significance in folk beliefs and practices. The Estonians approached this matter pragmatically: snakes, particularly vipers, were used as a source for the preparation of medicinal and magical remedies. One of the key moments in such rituals was St. George’s Day, which was considered a special and magical time. Estonians believed that a snake killed before April 23rd was “full of power,“ making it a particularly valuable ingredient for the creation of medicines and even cosmetics. The snakes were dried, ground into powder, and used in various rituals. The powder could be burned to fumigate a room or person, or it could be mixed into ointments or potions to treat ailments such as rheumatism, lumbago, gout, and skin diseases. However, the snake was not only a medical resource. The magical properties of snake-based remedies were believed to bring success in business, luck in card games, favor from influential people, and even the ability to understand the language of birds. A stick used to kill a snake before April 23rd became a powerful amulet: it would be hung on the house’s eaves to protect the home from fires or placed in grain storage to ensure a bountiful harvest. If a snake settled under the roof of a house, it could not be killed — it became a “majauss“, a household serpent, akin to a pet and almost a member of the family. Its presence in the yard was thought to ensure the well-being of livestock and the overall prosperity of the household. Thus, in Estonian folklore, snakes symbolized both strength and magic. They were integrated into everyday customs and beliefs, serving as protectors and helpers in household matters.