Penkereinä

Penkereinä is a traditional Finnish sport, particularly prevalent in the regions of Ostrobothnia and Satakunta. The activity involves throwing lawnmower blades, typically 20-30 in number, for a distance as far as possible. Penkereinä is often featured during local festivities, sports events, and fairs.

The objective of penkereinä is to achieve the longest possible throw. Participants typically form teams and engage in competitive events. Scoring is based on the distance achieved by the blade. The blade must touch the ground before measurement to count. Throws that land in the water or outside the designated throwing area are invalidated.

While the origins of penkereinä are unclear, it is believed to have roots in the region's rural tradition, where strength and dexterity were valued. Some speculate that the practice may date back to the time of manual lawnmowing, when blades were a common tool among Finnish farmers.

The day of penkereinä events often begins with a ceremonial presentation of the lawnmower blades. Teams then take turns attempting to throw the blades as far as possible. Judging usually involves using a measuring tape or other measuring device to determine the distance. Penkereinä was historically a popular activity at local festivals, particularly during summer months.

Despite its limited geographical scope, penkereinä has contributed to its region's sense of community and has maintained a niche presence in the cultural practices of Ostrobothnia and Satakunta.