Rapids on the "Stream of Life": The Significance of Water Movement on the Kemi River

This article explores the significance of rapids for the inhabitants of the banks of the Kemi River in Finnish Lapland. The river is frequently called "stream of life," and people emphasize the critical role rapids play for this label. Starting from narratives, practices and material culture relating to the water movements along rapids, the article suggests two hypotheses: first, human associations of water with life arise not only from its characteristics as a substance in itself, but also from its particular movements through the environment. Second, the idea that "water means life" resonates with the similarity of shapes created by water movements and forms permeating all living processes. Building on the work of Strang (e.g. 2005a), Ingold (e.g. 2006) and Schwenk (1965) conclude that calling the Kemi a "stream of life" relates to people's active engagement in its particular movements.