Kihnu follows the wisdom of ancestors
Kihnu and Manija Islands are the home of a unique native culture preserved on Pärnu County coastal islands for more than six hundred years. The cultural space, which was included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2003, keeps alive Kihnu’s folklore, handicraft and customs. The island of Kihnu is known as the home of seamen, fishermen and seal hunters. The men spent long periods of time at sea, entrusting the women with the everyday island life. Women have become the preservers and passers-on of local handicraft, dances, games and music. Their everyday clothing still includes a self-made striped Kihnu skirt called kört. The rules of life on Kihnu have changed with time, but to a considerable extent the ancestral wisdom is still followed. Many traditions and rituals are still alive, for instance, weddings on Kihnu Island last for three days, and it is especially interesting to visit the island on a day of popular or church celebrations.