Savonia (historical province)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Savonia, Savo or Savolax is a historical province in the south of Finland. It borders to Nylandia, Tavastia, Ostrobothnia, and Karelia.
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 Map highlighting the location of Savonia |
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Contents |
[edit] Administration
For current affairs see: Eastern Finland
Savonia is virtually comprised within the boundaries of the administrative province of Eastern Finland.
[edit] History
The province of Savo represents the original area of one of the tribes of Finns and the heartland of East Finnish dialect. The people of Savo traditionally pursued slash-and-burn agriculture, which settlers successfully imported in Ostrobothnia and Kainuu.
Savo, which had been a part of Sweden from the late 13th century, was separated from Sweden when Finland was ceded to Russia in 1809. The provinces have no administrative function today but live on as an historical legacy in both countries.
[edit] Culture
Savonia's dialect differs from other Finnish dialect, and many has historically been looked down upon and as inferior and amusing by other Finns, as can be seen in old schoolbooks.
[edit] Famous Savonians
[edit] Heraldry
The arms is crowned by a countal coronet, though by Finnish tradition this more resembles a Swedish baronal coronet. Blazon: "Sable, a drawn hand bow in and arrow aimed toward dexter chief, or; bow string, arrowhead and feathered tail, argent".
| Historical provinces of Finland |
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| Åland | Finland Proper | Karelia | Laponia | Nylandia | Ostrobothnia | Satakunta | Savonia | Tavastia | |
| Lands of Finland: Finland/Österlanden |
