Cultural Overview Of Estonia

Singing and dancing are very much an integral part of the Estonian culture. Especially the singing…Estonia has a long-standing oral tradition – songs, chants and verses narrate tales of the farmers, the crops and seasons, love, family bonds and legends. The oldest type of singing still alive in Estonia is the Runic Chant. It’s been around since the 1st millennium BC and is based on lines of 8 syllables and the theme unfolding as each line goes to the next.

Local handicrafts of Estonia are hand knitted woollen sweaters, textiles, ceramics, glassware, amber and pieces of folk art. In many places it’s possible to stroll down old cobbled streets to watch the artisans at work as they produce their marvellously crafted ware.