ABSTRACT
In Estonia, the tradition of sacred and offering springs survived into the twentieth century and is known in the present time. Most of these sites were used for healing practices but some were also believed to have higher supernatural powers. Ecclesiastical attitudes toward sacred and healing springs have differed in Estonia, as has popular faith in these sites. While Estonia was formerly a part of Catholic medieval Livonia and is presently Lutheran, sacred springs never converted. They did not become holy wells, have no Christian associations and retain their natural appearance without the shrines and superstructures that can characterize holy wells. The Orthodox Church has, however, involved some of these springs within the Christian context.
