Kastetiedot

Kastetiedot are the data recorded when a person is baptized in a church, typically found in kirkonkirjat (parish baptism registers). They are used in genealogical and historical research to establish a person’s identity, birth and family connections, and the social context of baptism.

Typical contents of kastetiedot include the name of the child, the baptism date, and often the birth date or place. They usually record the parents’ names (including the mother’s maiden name), residence or place of birth, and sometimes the father’s occupation. In addition, the entry may list the sponsors or godparents and the officiating priest. Some records also note remarks about legitimacy, special circumstances, or other notes made at the time of baptism.

Sources and accessibility: Kastetiedot come from church archives and local parish records collected over centuries. In Finland and other Nordic countries, these records are part of parish registers kept by Lutheran churches and have been preserved in regional and national archives. Many are digitized and accessible online through archival portals and genealogical services, enhancing their availability to researchers.

Limitations and uses: Record-keeping practices varied by region and era, so not all entries are complete or uniform. Gaps can result from losses, fires, or changes in record-keeping. Modern privacy rules may restrict access to recent records. Researchers often combine kastetiedot with related records—such as birth, marriage, death records, and census data—to build family trees and verify relationships. Overall, kastetiedot remain a foundational source for tracing ancestry in communities with historic parish records.