@misc{9223830,
  abstract     = {{This thesis examines the practices and importance of the “care-tree” (vårdträd) for human-nature relations in Sweden during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The “care-tree” have a long history of use, are entwined with supernatural beliefs, and are said to reflect the well-being and luckiness of the yard where it’s planted. Using theories of social control, non-human agencies and the dwelling perspective, the study examines folklife archival data from the provinces of Småland, Skåne and Blekinge. The analysis of the data reveals that the “care-tree” and other sacred trees such as “healing-tree” (sjukdomsträd) were an important part of how people viewed and interpreted nature during this time. The significance of the “care-tree” is highlighted in the practices that surrounded the tree, through which people formed a more-than-symbolic relationship with the tree and its surroundings. The “care-tree” was seen as an actor in the landscape and the yard, through its attributed abilities to make worlds and “take action”. Furthermore, the supernatural beliefs of the “care-tree” reinforced social control, and regulated people’s attributed roles within the society. Simultaneously, people’s view of nature changed during this time, as industrialism made a greater impact on people's everyday lives. However, some of the practices surrounding the “care-tree” still existed and lived on, but came to be motivated by other aspects than the original ones.}},
  author       = {{Brattberg, Caroline}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Praktiker kring vårdträd}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}