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CUSTOMS AND FOLKLORE
Shetland has a rich culture steeped in folklore and customs. One of the first things that strikes the visitor is the language, which has Scandinavian undertones. As would be expected in such a rural community, customs, folk-beliefs and story-telling featured highly in daily life. Combined with the traditional music and dance, life was not all hard work and no play, as the lighter side of life is discovered.
Traditional beliefs were part of everyone’s lives. People valued customs as a way of explaining the unknown, and to ensure good luck, which was considered vital in farming and fishing life. Sickles - like the one shown below - were concealed in haystacks as a charm against trolls.
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Skekklers |
Sickle |
