An obituary is a notice of death for an individual that includes information about the person's life as well as the death itself.[1]Obituaries are a fundamental record source that genealogists consult when conducting family history research. While the amount of information in an obituary can range from one sentence to long prose, it can be a treasure trove for genealogists. Obituaries in Finland can be written in prose or as a short poem, which appears to be a Finnish cultural tradition.
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
Obituaries in Old Finnish Newspapers
Obituaries in old Finnish newspapers offer an unforgettable view into the past, a time when newspapers were often the only way to disseminate information within a community and across the nation. Through obituaries, we can glimpse not only individual lives but also Finnish society—its values, sorrows, and joyful moments.
Funeral poems
The funeral poems preserved in the collections of the National Library depict the community norms that people were expected to follow. These poems were read to guests at funerals. A personalized eulogy would begin by portraying the family's grief and the inevitability of death. The sorrow expressed in funeral poems dealing with the death of a spouse represented a socially accepted love that belonged only within marriage.
Expressions of gratitude for bourgeois women and men were similar: merchants were expected to be honest and charge a fair price for their goods. They were also to be diligent and service-minded to benefit the nation. For bourgeois women, managing the household and supporting their husbands in business were emphasized. Wives' devout piety was essential, as proper religious observance brought harmony and prevented God’s plagues, such as epidemics, famine, and war.
Marriage was not to be entered into by force but should be based on love, joy, and mutual contentment between spouses. Mayor Nicolaus Lietzen’s love for his wife, Katarina Wernlee, was so strong that her death in 1657 left him in profound grief: “Death has come to my home, and I lament it. He has taken from me my wife, who was the light of my home. She died in the bloom of her youth, and my heart withers from this heavy loss. I, a man in torment, remain alone with my sorrow.” Funeral poems reveal that marriages were not based solely on practical benefits but held deep love, expressed in powerful words within these poems.
These texts have not been digitized but can be found on microfilm in the reading room of the National Library in Helsinki.
When newspapers began to be published in Finland from 1771 onwards, they soon included brief notices, mainly of the deaths of prominent individuals. Gradually, formal obituaries were added.
The significance of obituaries in Finland for the community
Obituaries, published especially from the late 19th century onward, were an essential part of newspapers. Their role was primarily to honor the deceased respectfully and preserve their memory for future generations. An obituary could be brief and concise or span multiple paragraphs. Different newspapers approached tributes differently: regional newspapers often focused on local community members, while national newspapers highlighted prominent figures important to the entire country.
Obituaries also served to unite the community, as they brought the lives and losses of loved ones into the public eye. They became a meeting place for those grieving the loss and for those wishing to remember and respect the deceased and their achievements.
Style and content of obituaries in Finland
The style of obituaries was often poetic and elevated, particularly with a religious tone, as faith was central to people’s lives. Many obituaries began with condolences and then highlighted the virtues of the deceased. For example, “a hardworking and humble father” was a frequently used expression, reflecting the era’s appreciation for traditional, modest virtues. The language was dignified and restrained, emphasizing the values of the time, such as family, faith, and diligence.
Obituaries of ordinary citizens are especially intriguing, offering valuable insights into local history and daily life. For example, they might describe the resilience of a farmwife or the skills of an artisan and the community's respect for them. In this way, obituaries painted a picture of Finnish life and values that remain close to many even today, though they are no longer as widely shared in newspapers.
Language and dialects of obituaries in Finland
The language of old obituaries is an interesting subject for research, as it wasn’t always in Finnish. Finnish newspapers were published in Swedish for a long time, and during the period of Swedish rule, Swedish-language newspapers were common. The language of obituaries thus varied by region, and even in the mid-to-late 19th century, many obituaries in newspapers were in Swedish, especially in Swedish-speaking communities.
Furthermore, local dialects and language features sometimes appeared in obituaries. While dialects were rarely published in newspapers, personal obituaries occasionally contained traces of regional speech and rhythms, making the deceased come to life for the local community.
Importance of obituaries in Finland as a Historical Source
Obituaries are important historical sources, as they uniquely capture the lives and deaths of past generations. For historians, old newspapers provide a vast collection of material through which one can learn about individuals, communities, and what was considered important in past centuries.
Obituaries also form a strong connection to genealogy. From a genealogist’s perspective, obituaries can complement church records. Often, obituaries contain information about the deceased’s family, their life’s work, friends, and companions—details not typically found in official records.
Legacy of Obituaries in Finland
Today, the format and significance of obituaries have changed, but old newspaper archives are filled with the richness of life from days gone by. Thanks to digitized archives, it is now easier than ever to find and read these historical writings, helping people explore their family history and better understand what life in Finland was like in earlier times.
Reading old obituaries is like having a conversation with past generations. Through them, we gain a window into how Finns once viewed life and death and the significance each individual held for their community.
Explore more about Obituaries in Finland
- Research Finns – Finnish not required; Internet is! webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- National Library of Finland