Finnish Folklore - Studia Fennica Folkloristica, Author:Leea Virtanen, Thomas Dubois Poised between the cultural influences of Western and Eastern Europe, Finland's distinctive language and remote location have ensured that traditions arrived there more slowly and were retained more tenaciously than in other parts of Europe. As a result, Finland's folklore boasts some extremely archaic features, such as the evocative epic and ly... more »ric songs which form the basis of Finland's national epic, the Kalevala. Other ancient cultural retentions include medieval ballads sung in Swedish and incantations for controlling fire, snakes, and bleeding. Newer traditions include forms of rhymed folksong and dance, folktales and legends that have counterparts elsewhere in Europe, and the ever present jokes and urban legends of the modern Finnish workplace or playground. Finnish Folklore surveys the study of folklore in Finland and provides an overview of Finnish folk culture in the past and present. The country's regional variations are introduced and detailed information is given regarding Finland's longstanding cultural minorities, the Swedish-speaking Finns, the Sami (Lapps), and Rom (Gypsies). The culture of Finns outside of Finland is also surveyed, including the Finnish-American communities of North America. Particular attention is paid to the pervasive and complex cultural changes which occurred during Finland's rapid industrialization during the 20th century. The customs and culture of the agrarian Finland of the past contrast markedly with that of the technologically sophisticated, affluent Finland of today. A substantial anthology section provides original examples of the various genres of Finnish folklore, many with dual-language texts, musical notation, and explanatory notes. Finnish Folklore is ideal for the serious folklorist as well as the general reader interested in learning more about this fascinating northern country.« less