Kirjailua

Kirjailua is the Finnish term for handwriting or penmanship. It denotes the practice of writing by hand, including everyday writing as well as the art of forming letters. In Finland, the decorative writing expression is commonly described as kalligrafia, a loanword from other languages, while kirjailu generally refers to the broader activity of writing by hand.

Historically, handwriting has been central to education, administration, and literacy. The development of writing tools—ink and quills, nibs, and later pencils and fountain pens—along with instructional methods, shaped how people formed letters. Decorative or formal handwriting, often called calligraphy, emerged as a distinct craft within the broader practice of script. Western styles such as Copperplate and Gothic influenced many traditions, and Finnish handwriting practices were integrated into these developments through education and typographic design.

Today, kirjailua persists as both a practical skill and an artistic pursuit. In Finland and elsewhere, hobbyists and designers explore modern calligraphy and handwriting-inspired typography. Digital tools enable analysis and simulation of handwriting, while workshops, courses, and exhibitions sustain communities around the craft. Handwriting remains part of language education and personal communication, even as digital text dominates everyday use.