Savonian people

Savonians (Finnish: Savolaiset, Savonian: Savolaaset, Savolaeset) are a subgroup (heimo) of the Finnish people who live in the areas of the historical province of Savonia.

Savonians
Coat of arms of the historical province of Savonia
Regions with significant populations
North and South Savo
Languages
Finnish (Savonian dialects)
Religion
Lutheranism
Related ethnic groups
Other regional subgroups

History
The areas where the Savonian dialects are spoken
A maid from Savonia churning butter. From Boken om vårt land by Zachris Topelius

Savonians are descendants of Tavastian and Karelian peasants who, during the Middle Ages, had settled in the areas that would later become known as Savonia in order to find new lands suitable for slash-and-burn agriculture.[1] During 16th and 17th centuries, many Savonians emigrated to Eastern Norway and Central Sweden were they became known as the Forest Finns. In the 17th century, there was also a migration to Swedish Ingria (now part of Russia), where they became known as Savakot and collectively known as the Ingrian Finns together with the Äyrämöiset (Finnish Karelians).

Description and stereotypes

The stereotypical Savonian is talkative, easy-going,[2] jolly and humorous, occasionally even to an offensive degree. Traditionally, the Savonians have often been considered to be "sneaky" and "mendacious." However, recent research has shown that this infamy is largely due to misunderstandings caused by the traditional Savonian social indirectness.[3]

Savonians and Karelians were the first people in Finland to use surnames, beginning during the Middle Ages. These surnames are known for containing the "nen" diminutive.

Famous Savonians

References
  1. Crosby, Alfred W. (2001). Encountering the past in nature : essays in environmental history (Rev. ed.). Athens: Ohio University Press. p. 58. ISBN 9780821413579.
  2. Holliday, Grace; Coldwell, Will (29 August 2017). "10 of the best lakeside towns and villages in Europe". the Guardian. Retrieved 7 June 2022. However, Savonians are traditionally very laid-back, and happy to while away their afternoon at a waterside restaurant serving fresh fish lunches and tart berry deserts.
  3. Yle News Savolainen kierous onkin vaarinymmarrys : http://yle.fi/uutiset/3-5338205


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