Seminar about sacred natural sites of Estonia, Latvia and Sweden

Hiite Maja Foundation organized an international seminar in Tartu on May 26-27, 2011 to discuss the situation of natural sacred sites in Estonia, Latvia and Sweden. The initial goal of the seminar – a common methodology for mapping sacred sites – was not reached this time as the starting points of the partner regions proved to be very different.  Estonia is the only country in the project where a national development plan for the organization of research and protection of sacred sites has been adopted. Also, the understanding about different subjects related to sacred sites varies greatly, starting from the definition of sacred site and ending with the concept of sacred sites as part of cultural heritage on various levels.

One of the most important results of the seminar was the conclusion that one should not forget the specific characteristics of each region while striving for project goals. For example, sacred sites that are still being used today will have to be handled differently from those that were last used hundreds of years ago.

For more information visit the Hiite Maja Foundation web site.