kisällis

A kisällis was a medieval and early modern term in Finland, referring to a farmhand or a servant who worked for a farmer. The term originated from the Swedish word "dräng," which also denoted a farmhand. A kisällis was typically a young, unmarried man who lived and worked on the farm, often for a set period of time, such as a year. Their duties were varied and encompassed all aspects of farm labor, including plowing, sowing, harvesting, caring for livestock, and performing other manual tasks.

The kisällis played a crucial role in the agricultural economy of the time. They provided essential labor that allowed farmers to cultivate their land and maintain their households. In return for their work, kisällis received room, board, and often a small wage or provisions. Their social status was generally lower than that of the farmer and his family, but they were an integral part of rural life. The system of employing kisällis persisted for centuries, gradually evolving with changes in agricultural practices and societal structures. The term itself became less common with the advent of modern agricultural labor relations.