Kotiistuimissa

Kotiistuimissa is a Finnish term that translates to "homesteads" or "homesteading" and refers to a traditional way of life in Finland focused on self-sufficiency and living off the land. Historically, it encompassed a broad range of activities undertaken by families to sustain themselves, often in rural areas. This lifestyle involved cultivating crops, raising livestock, foraging for wild edibles, and utilizing natural resources for building and fuel.

The concept of kotiistuimissa was particularly prevalent before widespread industrialization and urbanization, when access to food and goods was more limited. Families would manage their own farms, growing grains, vegetables, and berries, and keeping animals like cows, pigs, and chickens for milk, meat, and eggs. Fishing and hunting were also common supplementary food sources. The wood from surrounding forests was used for heating homes and cooking, as well as for construction and crafting.

While the fully traditional form of kotiistuimissa is less common today due to modern conveniences and societal changes, its spirit endures in various contemporary forms. Some individuals and families actively pursue aspects of this lifestyle, embracing gardening, keeping small numbers of animals, preserving food, and engaging in DIY projects. This modern interpretation often emphasizes sustainability, environmental consciousness, and a connection to nature, reflecting a desire for a more resilient and independent way of living. The term can also evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, more connected past.