Perusravinteet

Perusravinteet is a Finnish term that translates to "private plots" or "private allotments" in English. They refer to small plots of land allocated to individuals or families for personal use, often for gardening or other small-scale agricultural activities.

Traditionally, perusravinteet were a common phenomenon in rural Finland, particularly after the Finnish Civil War (1918) when many rural areas were reorganized into large-scale agricultural estates. In response, private plots were allocated to peasants and small-scale farmers as a way to provide them with a place to supplement their income and grow their own food.

Perusravinteet were usually kept outside the village or town, and individuals would use them to cultivate vegetables, fruits, herbs, and other crops. They were also often used to keep a small animal husbandry, such as chickens, rabbits, and pigs.

Over time, the significance and extent of perusravinteet have declined in Finland due to urbanization, increased agricultural mechanization, and changes in land ownership patterns. However, many Finnish villages still conserve and promote the tradition of private plots, often as a way to preserve cultural heritage and promote local food systems.

Today, perusravinteet can be seen as a manifestation of a more self-sufficient and community-oriented lifestyle that emphasizes the importance of individual and collective participation in agriculture and local food production. While their cultural and practical significance have evolved over time, perusravinteet remain an important aspect of Finland's rural identity and tradition.