Talupoja
Talupoja is a historical term used in Estonia and other Baltic regions to denote a peasant or a farmer, particularly during the period of serfdom. The term generally refers to a landholding peasant who worked their own plot of land, though the size and independence of this plot could vary significantly. In the context of feudal systems, talupoja occupied a social stratum above landless laborers but below the nobility and clergy. Their lives were often characterized by hard agricultural labor, adherence to manorial obligations, and a strong connection to their local community and land.
The status and rights of a talupoja evolved over centuries. During periods of strong serfdom, they were