A set of five handcarved linocut print cards featuring a flying snow goose with stars, inspired by a folk astronomy story about the Milky Way, aka Linnunraata, told by the Finno-Urgic peoples from the landscape we now know as Finland and Estonia. Hand printed on matte finish vintage deckled edge cardstock, along with five matching Kraft paper envelopes, and five FeathersandFolktales envelope seals.

Note* This comes as a set of five flat cards (printed on one side, and blank on the other side), they are not folded greeting cards.

STORY DETAILS:

Linnun means “birds”, and‎ rata means “track”, referring to the celestial path taken by migratory birds as the winter season approaches towards their wintering grounds in Lintukoto, the home of the birds. These birds are also understood to be “soul carriers”, known as Sielulintu, who bring a human's soul to the body at the moment of birth, and carry the soul away at the moment of death to the otherworld known as Toonela. These “soul birds”, are also thought of as soul protectors and can come in the night to protect the soul of the sleeper from flying off while in a dream.

If you are interested in this folktale, perhaps you might also be interested in a larger Linnunraata linocut print also available in this shop.

COLOR: The cards are soft wedding white color, and the design is printed with Caligo safewash ink in a blue-gray color. The ink is hand-mixed so please expect slight variations.

SIZE: the cards are 4.25" x 5.5", the print is slightly smaller, and the Kraft envelopes are 4.5" x 5.75".

GIFT OCCASION:
This would make a great gift for a mother who has just given birth, or someone grieving for a lost loved one, or someone who must let go of a relationship. The Sielulintu or Soul Bird also would make a great gift for someone who feels vulnerable, and needs protection for their soul.

PACKAGING: This set of five cards and envelopes will be carefully packed in a recycled clear bag and shipped in a recycled Kraft paper mailer. A one-page insert including a description of the folktale is included with the cards. Learn more about this shop’s sustainable packaging choices.

Free Shipping within the USA. Ships out within 1-3 business days.

Flat rate international shipping for $35.00

Questions? Please feel free to email diemdangers@gmail.com or contact me here. you will get a response within 24 hours.

Please note* the copyright of this work is retained by the artist.