10 myths of Saaremaa
Navel
‘I have not wandered on Saaremaa land, neither have I lain eyes on the navel of a woman from Saaremaa,’ wrote Balthazar Russow in his famous ‘Chronica der Provinz Lyfflandt’ (Chronicles of Livonia). His sentiments can be understood, because Saaremaa and Livonia have nothing in common. But it is true that already in the middle of last millennium the navel of a woman from Saaremaa was covered in mystery, yet many desired to see it with their own eyes. For hundreds of years tens of thousands of tourists have flooded the island to see this natural miracle, but only a few chosen ones have received the honour. So, the rest just must settle with the description from the tourist booklets: ‘It has layers on top of layers, it shines like gold, no needles have sewn.’ During the last 100 years only five people have seen the navel, because it shows itself on the ancient castle walls even more rarely than the ‘White Lady’ of Haapsalu. Yet the people all over the world refuse to lose hope in seeing such wonder (also noted in UNEXPO cultural heritage list) and come to the pilgrimage to Saaremaa.
Three popular beliefs
The person who sees the navel of a woman from Saaremaa will have their third eye opening.
They who try to touch the navel of a woman from Saaremaa, receive a swift slap with a ruler on their fingers.
The navel of a woman from Saaremaa has a healing power. Even few seconds in the proximity of the navel is enough to be healed from heartburns, warts and infectious mood swings.
