Linnutee
The Milky Way

Summary/Abstract: Astronomically, the Milky Way is a big star system _ a galaxy. The word galaxy is derived from the Greek gala `milk'. In many languages the Milky Way's name is connected with milk. However, in Estonia this form of the name is rare. The Estonian widespread term `Bird Way' most probably derives from the belief that birds use the stars as a guide on their migration paths to South and back North again. Another set of beliefs concerns the Milky Way as the path undertaken by the souls of the deceased, also found in the mythology of many peoples. Sometimes this is also the path used by `soul bird' to Toonela (i.e. Afterworld). The Milky Way as footprints of some kind is not a common explanation in Estonian heritage. However, the Milky Way as the world tree is found in the mythology of many peoples. Songs about the world tree being cut may have resulted in the relative changing of the orientation of the Milky Way from vertical to more horizontal over time. The Christian-related belief of the gates of heaven is little known in Estonia. In the old time-reckoning system, the Milky Way functioned mainly as a sign of the end and beginning of the year. The Milky Way was also used for orientation purposes and for making long-term weather forecasts.

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