Kiillostetut

Kiillostetut refers to a Finnish term that translates to "the ones who have been killed" or "the slain," commonly used in the context of Finnish history and folklore. The phrase gained prominence during the Finnish Civil War of 1918, which pitted the pro-Soviet Red Guards against the pro-government White Guards. The conflict resulted in widespread violence, with tens of thousands of people executed or killed in a short period, particularly in the early months of the war.

The term "kiillostetut" is often associated with the mass executions carried out by Red Guards in areas under their control, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of Finland. These killings were often carried out without trial, targeting perceived enemies of the revolution, including White Guards, clergy, landowners, and others considered politically unreliable. The exact number of victims remains debated, but estimates suggest between 7,000 and 14,000 people were killed during this period.

After the White Guards regained control of the country, many of the Red Guards were executed or imprisoned, and the term "kiillostetut" became a symbol of the brutality of the conflict. The Finnish government later established memorials and monuments to honor the victims, including the National Memorial Cemetery in Helsinki, which commemorates those killed during the Civil War.

The phrase also appears in Finnish literature and culture, serving as a reminder of the war's human cost and the deep divisions that emerged during that turbulent time. The legacy of the Civil War continues to influence Finnish society, with ongoing debates about memory, reconciliation, and the ethical treatment of historical conflicts.