Savonia (historical province)

Savonia (

South Savonia. The largest cities in Savonia by population are Kuopio, Mikkeli, Savonlinna, Varkaus and Iisalmi

.

Administration

In the 19th century, Savonia was divided between

South Savonia

.

History

The province of Savo represents the original homeland of the

Finns. It was the heartland of the east Finnish or Savonian dialects

.

The people of Savonia traditionally pursued slash-and-burn agriculture, which settlers successfully imported into Ostrobothnia and Kainuu, Värmland in southwestern Sweden, and eastern Norway. Savonian settlers also migrated to Finnish Karelia, Ingria (see: Ingrian Finns) and to southern Sweden, parts of northern Sweden, and Norway (see: Forest Finns).

Savonia, which had been a part of Sweden from the late-13th century, was separated from Sweden when Finland was ceded to Russia in September 1809.

Culture

Traditionally, the Savonian people have often been considered as "sneaky". Recent research has shown that this reputation is largely due to misunderstandings caused by Savonians' traditional lack of social directness.^[1]

Famous Savonians

Heraldry

The arms of Savonia are crowned by a count's coronet, though by Finnish tradition this more resembles a Swedish baronial coronet. Blazon: "Sable, a drawn hand bow in and arrow aimed toward dexter chief, or; bow string, arrowhead and feathered tail, argent." The traditional colors of the province are black and gold.

References

^ Yle News - Savolainen kierous onkin vaarinymmarrys : http://yle.fi/uutiset/3-5338205

v t e Historical provinces of Finland
Finland Proper	Southwest Finland (except Loimaa and Somero municipalities)
Karelia	North Karelia South Karelia Old Finland eastern Kymenlaakso easternmost North Savo southernmost South Savo
Laponia	northern Lapland
Ostrobothnia	Central Ostrobothnia Ostrobothnia Kainuu North Ostrobothnia predominantly South Ostrobothnia Southern Lapland
Satakunta	Satakunta predominantly Pirkanmaa westernmost Central Finland northeastern Southwest Finland southeastern South Ostrobothnia Loimaa of Southwest Finland
Savonia	predominantly North Savo predominantly South Savo
Tavastia	Päijät-Häme Kanta-Häme predominantly Central Finland northwestern Kymenlaakso westernmost North Savo southern and southwestern Pirkanmaa southwesternmost South Savo Somero of Southwest Finland
Uusimaa	Uusimaa southwestern Kymenlaakso
Åland	Åland

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