Viisaudenhampaat

Viisaudenhampaat is a Finnish literary movement that emerged in the 1920s. The name Viisaudenhampaat translates to "Wise Teeth" in English, and it refers to the gnarled, wizened appearance of the teeth of an elderly person. This nickname is a metaphor for the literary group's pursuit of wisdom and insight into life.

The Viisaudenhampaat movement was characterized by a focus on introspection, self-discovery, and spirituality. This was in contrast to the more avant-garde and experimental spirit of Futurism, which was dominant in Finland at the time. The writers associated with Viisaudenhampaat, such as Lasse Mäntylä, Pentti Granfell, and Veikko Huovinen, sought to create a more personal and introspective form of literature.

Viisaudenhampaat writers often drew on elements of mysticism and the occult in their work. They were inspired by various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and Theosophy. This emphasis on spirituality and the search for truth was a key aspect of the movement's philosophy.

The Viisaudenhampaat movement had a relatively short lifespan, lasting from the 1920s to the 1940s. However, its influence can be seen in later Finnish literary movements, such as the magical realist and existentialist writers of the post-war period. The legacy of Viisaudenhampaat continues to be felt in contemporary Finnish literature, which often explores themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.