lähiniset

Lähiniset is a Finnish term that translates to "near ones" or "neighbors" and is primarily used in the context of genealogy and kinship. It refers to individuals who are closely related to a person, typically within a few generations of descent or ascent. This includes immediate family members such as parents, siblings, and children, as well as grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. The concept of lähiniset is important for understanding familial structures and inheritance patterns in Finnish cultural and historical contexts.

In historical records and genealogical research, the term often appears when documenting family trees and relationships. It helps to distinguish close relatives from more distant ones. The precise definition of "close" can sometimes be fluid depending on the specific context, but it generally implies a direct blood or marital connection within a limited degree. Understanding who constitutes one's lähiniset is fundamental for tracing lineage and for comprehending social responsibilities and rights within a family. The term emphasizes the immediate circle of kin and their significance in an individual's life and social network.