Henkikirjat

Henkikirjat, often translated as "census books" or "poll tax registers," were historical administrative documents used in various European countries, particularly in the Baltic regions under Russian rule, and also in Finland. These registers served a dual purpose: to track population for administrative and military conscription purposes and to levy taxes, most notably the poll tax (henkiraha).

The compilation of henkikirjat involved detailed enumeration of the inhabitants within a specific geographical area, usually a parish or municipality. Information typically recorded included the names of individuals, their gender, age, marital status, profession or social status, and sometimes their place of origin or departure. For landowners, details about their property might also be included. The frequency of these registrations varied, but they were often conducted periodically, allowing for updates on population changes.

These documents are invaluable for historical research, offering insights into demographic trends, social structures, migration patterns, and economic conditions of past eras. Genealogists frequently consult henkikirjat to trace family histories and identify ancestors. The level of detail and the regularity of their creation make them a significant source for understanding the lives of ordinary people, not just the elite. The practice of maintaining henkikirjat gradually declined with the introduction of more modern census methods and tax systems.