Folklore of Finland

The country's long and complex history has led to the development of a wide range of folktales, legends, and beliefs, which vary considerably depending on where in Finland you are.

[2][3] One of the most striking differences in Finnish folklore is the contrast between the east and the west of the country.

The coastal regions of Finland have a long history of contact with other cultures, such as the Vikings and the Hanseatic League.

This contact has led to the development of a rich and diverse folklore tradition, which includes tales about seafaring, trading, and other coastal activities.

There are many other factors that can contribute to the variation of Finnish folklore, such as the local geography, the climate, and the ethnic composition of the population.

The name "Joulupukki" literally means "Christmas goat" or "Yule Goat" in Finnish; the word pukki comes from the Teutonic root bock, which is a cognate of the English "buck", "Puck", and means "billy-goat".

[8] Finnish foods often use wholemeal products (rye, barley, oats) and berries (such as blueberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, and sea buckthorn).

Various turnips were common in traditional cooking, but were replaced with the potato after its introduction in the 18th century.