Kartonkimaisia

Kartonkimaisia is a term used in Finland to describe a genre of traditional folk music and dance. The name "kartonkimaisia" translates to "carton-children" in English, but the term does not refer to children, rather it is a colloquialism for people who are old-fashioned and nostalgic.

The kartonkimaisia genre emerged in the mid-20th century in Finland's Skool village, particularly among the local handicrafts and folk music enthusiasts. Members of this group, known as kartonkimaiset, often performed traditional dances and sang folk songs that commemorated aspects of Finnish culture and history.

These traditional dances and songs often portray life in the Finnish countryside during the 19th century, with themes that range from harvests to love and folk dealings with the devil. Performers of kartonkimaisia often dress in traditional folk costumes, which typically comprise woolen socks, animals-tanned leather gloves, and woolen mittens.

Today, kartonkimaisia remains a popular cultural phenomenon in Finland, celebrated at many regional festivals. Enthusiasts of the genre often perform these dances and songs in historical reenactments, and it is not uncommon for younger generations to show an interest in learning traditional dances and songs under the umbrella of kartonkimaisia.

While kartonkimaisia also touches on the preservation of traditional Finnish crafts, its greater impact lies in keeping alive and performing the nostalgic melody and harmony of old folk songs.