peruskivi

Peruskivi, literally meaning foundation stone in Finnish, designates a ceremonial cornerstone laid at the start of a building’s construction. The term is used in Finland to describe the traditional ritual that formally marks the beginning of a project and its long-term commitment to the community. In practice, a peruskivi is often a suitable stone embedded in the building’s foundation or placed in a visible position near the construction site. It may bear an inscription with the project name, date, sponsors, or other significant details, and sometimes contains a time capsule or metal plate.

During the foundation ceremony, officials, benefactors, architects, and representatives of the community may participate in a symbolic act, such as laying the stone, placing a ceremonial object, or removing a veil. The event serves both as a milestone for the builders and a public sign of investment in infrastructure, culture, or education.

In modern construction, the peruskivi can be a symbolic element rather than a required structural component, yet the tradition remains an acknowledged part of Finnish architectural culture. The concept corresponds internationally to the cornerstone or foundation stone often used in ceremonial openings of notable buildings.

Peruskivi traditions appear in various types of projects, including public buildings, schools, churches, and monuments, reflecting local customs of celebration and commemoration. Etymologically, peruskivi combines perus (base, foundation) and kivi (stone).