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You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Finnish. (June 2023) Click [show] for important translation instructions. Content in this edit is translated from the existing Finnish Wikipedia article at [[:fi:Savolaiset]]; see its history for attribution.{{Translated|fi|Savolaiset}} to the talk page. |
Coat of arms of the historical province of Savonia
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| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| North and South Savo | |
| Languages | |
| Finnish (Savonian dialects) | |
| Religion | |
| Lutheranism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other regional subgroups |
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 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).
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.
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.
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