[[ritual]] [[sacred-place-space]] [[landscape-location]] [[space]] --- Sacred space demarcated from the profane world via a symbolic barrier which enclosed the numinous area. A piece of ground designated as holy and thus a focus for communication with the supernatural. Generally Circular, square, or rectangular. Seen as dark, mysterious and secret. ## By Branch Celtic [[nemeton]] [[groves-germanic]] ### Influence on Estonian (*hiis*) Estonian hiis ("sacred grove") Cognate with Finnish Finnish hiisi and Livvi hiiži (“devil”). The original meaning in Proto-Finnic was most likely "burial ground". Possibly a loan from Proto-Germanic *χīđiz (“den, thicket”) or *sīdǭ (“side”). *Christianization in Estonia: A Process of Dual-Faith and Syncretism by Heiki Valk In: The Cross Goes North ed. Martin Carver ## Biblio [ie-connection: sanctuaries](https://www.indo-european-connection.com/religion/sanctuaries)