Niittäjä

Niittäjä is a traditional Finnish tool used for harvesting hay. It is a simple yet effective device designed to cut and gather hay efficiently. The niittäjä consists of a long, wooden handle with a sharp, curved blade attached to one end. The blade is typically made of steel and is designed to cut through the stems of the hay without damaging the leaves. The other end of the handle is often equipped with a basket or a pouch to collect the cut hay.

The use of a niittäjä is a labor-intensive process that requires physical strength and skill. Farmers would use the niittäjä to cut the hay by hand, walking through the fields and cutting the stems at the base. The cut hay would then be gathered into the basket or pouch, which would be carried back to the barn or storage area. This method was commonly used in Finland and other Nordic countries before the advent of modern harvesting machinery.

The niittäjä is not only a practical tool for hay harvesting but also a symbol of Finnish rural heritage. It represents the traditional methods and skills that have been passed down through generations. Today, the niittäjä is often used for recreational purposes, such as in hay-making competitions and as a decorative item in rural settings. Despite its simplicity, the niittäjä remains an important part of Finnish cultural history and agricultural tradition.