Introduction: Affective Mires in Contemporary Culture

Abstract

The word ‘mire’ in English means “an area of deep, wet, sticky earth” (see Cambridge Dictionary). The dictionary defines mire by its character and also by the affective way it is perceived and sensed by people when entering and moving around in it. Mires are special natural areas that have determined how people have learned and adapted to live in them in different cultures and eras. This special thematic issue on mire cultures explores the changing cultural practices and values associated with mires in the modern day, and further, their effects on the cultural heritage of mires for the future. During the current time of climate change and eco-crisis, people’s attitudes and ways of thinking about mires and nature in general have changed, with a greater emphasis being placed on more-than-human aspects. Human-mire relationships are processes that are shaped by changes in culture and society, and also by the experiences of individuals (Laurén et al. 2022). They include various activities that reflect the emotions, attitudes, knowledge and values of individuals and communities. In our research, the intangible cultural heritage is seen to be based on values, where mires are regarded as culturally significant natural areas and living organisms (see Poulios 2014). From the perspective of living heritage, it is essential that communities constantly recreate their traditions in relation to their environment, and in interaction with nature and their own history. Our research shows that the importance of mires is reflected in the transformation of cultural heritage for communities and acting on mires is part of people’s self-expression and identity, and there is a desire to pass on different forms of mire traditions not only into the future but also within generations. The studies presented in this special thematic issue aim to find answers to the following questions: What is the cultural heritage of mires in the twenty-first century? How has it changed since the past times? Are there signs of a changing relationship arising between humans and mires in the future?