Perinne

Perinne is a Finnish noun meaning tradition or heritage. It refers to practices, beliefs, knowledge, and forms of expression that are transmitted within a community from one generation to the next, helping to shape communal identity.

Etymology: The word comes from the verb periyttää “to hand down” or “to inherit.” The noun denotes what is inherited or transmitted, rather than something newly created. In common usage, perinne covers customs, rituals, crafts, folklore, language, music, cuisine, and architectural styles tied to a group or region.

In Finland, perinne plays a central role in cultural life. Kansanperinne (folk tradition) includes regional customs, stories, songs, and crafts, while national traditions include the sauna culture, seasonal celebrations like midsummer, and folklore linked to Finland’s historical literary sources such as Kalevala. Perinteen vaaliminen refers to preserving and passing on these practices, typically through families, local communities, museums, schools, and cultural organizations. Traditions are recognized as dynamic and may adapt to new technologies and cross-cultural influences.

Scholars in fields such as folklore studies and ethnology examine how perinne is formed, transmitted, and transformed, addressing questions of authenticity, continuity, and regional variation. Perinne intersects with broader culture but is often used to describe the practices that embody a community’s identity and memory.