20 Euros Beliefs and Rituals

Ritually charged mineral: salt 

Let's take a look back: As early as the Bronze Age, the area around Hallstatt was known for its rich salt deposits. Prehistoric Hallstatt grew into a vibrant metropolis and a flourishing trading centre. The richest and most progressive Europeans lived there. The wealth inspired them to make numerous innovations that made their work in the mine easier. However, the purest salt was far more than the basis of their prosperity for the people of Hallstatt. Salt ensured survival. It was and is the means by which food is preserved. Due to its great importance, salt was predestined for cultic acts and in many areas part of rites. Valuable things were sacrificed, including the "white gold". 

Well cared for for the afterlife

How can we know today that people believed in an afterlife during the Hallstatt period? Researchers found rich grave goods in the graves of the deceased. Bronze vessels are very often among them. Presumably, they were used to store food and drink and were intended to accompany the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. Mostly artistically decorated with depictions of people and animals.

The waterfowl are particularly striking. These had a pronounced significance for the people of that time. They were probably a symbol of the divine – because they can move in the water as well as on land and in the air. And thus explore areas of the world that were closed to humans at that time.