Meespõlvkonnal

Meespõlvkonnal refers to a concept within Estonian ethnology and folklore, broadly translating to "man's generation" or "male generation." It signifies a lineage or kinship group traced through the male line. This patrilineal system was historically important in many traditional societies, including those in Estonia, where inheritance, social status, and family names were often passed down from father to son.

The concept highlights the patrilocal residence pattern, where a newly married couple would live with or near the husband's family. This reinforced the male lineage's social and economic power within a community. While patrilineal descent is a common feature across many cultures, the specific term "meespõlvkonnal" is rooted in the Estonian cultural context and its historical social structures.

Understanding "meespõlvkonnal" provides insight into traditional Estonian family organization, property rights, and the transmission of cultural heritage. It contrasts with matrilineal systems, where descent and inheritance are traced through the female line. In modern Estonia, the influence of such strictly defined patrilineal structures has diminished, but the historical significance of "meespõlvkonnal" remains an important aspect of studying Estonian social history and kinship.