In Pagan Finland the Brown Bear was considered the most sacred of animals. The bear was referred to only by euphemisms, as it’s name was believed to hold too much power. 

Killing a bear was followed by a great feast, a large part of which was dedicated to convincing the bear’s spirit that it had died a natural death so that it would reincarnate back into the forest. 

The brown bear is also the national animal of Finland.