Amorphis Tuonela cover

[The Wanderer]

does anyone know what kind of plant that is on the cover? just kind of curious.

 

[Ormir]

It's very common in Finland... a tree called Pihlaja. Not sure about the english name.

 

[The Wanderer]

cool. thanks. is it significant in any way, or just a finnish tree?

 

[Ormir]

They look like this in the summer... maybe you know what I mean now?

 

[The Wanderer]

yeah. thanks. i did some more looking. its called european mountain ash in english. i dont think we have those in america though. not that i've ever seen. thanks for the help.

 

[St. Vitus]

Originally posted by Ormir
It's very common in Finland... a tree called Pihlaja. Not sure about the english name.

Rowan, or European Mountain Ash.

 

[wolf]

Is it used in Pagan rituals or have any mind altering properties?

 

[Voice of God]

AFAIK it was some sort of holy tree in pre-christian finnish faith, maybe something to do with death (also the album name Tuonela means the land of the dead so...). Not mind altering, but the berries ferment during autumn, so they have a little alcohol in them. I doubt it was ever used as a way to get intoxicated.

 

[Ormir]

I doubt it was ever used as a way to get intoxicated.

Are you joking? This is FINLAND we are talking about

 

[Voice of God]

Originally posted by Ormir
Are you joking? This is FINLAND we are talking about

Hmm... good point. But I think you'd have to eat half a forest of those to get to the state finns consider drunk enough. It's easier to make ale.