pitäjien

Pitäjien are a historical administrative division in Finland, used from the 14th century until the 20th century. The term "pitäjä" is derived from the Swedish word "pitäge," meaning "parish." Pitäjien were the primary administrative units in Finland before the introduction of municipalities in the 19th century. Each pitäjä was typically led by a pitäjäpitäjä, who was responsible for local governance and administration. Pitäjien were organized into larger administrative units called läänit, which were further divided into kihlakunnit. The boundaries of pitäjien often aligned with those of parishes, as the church played a significant role in the administration of these areas. Over time, the functions of pitäjien were gradually taken over by municipalities, and the term "pitäjä" fell into disuse. Today, the historical significance of pitäjien is primarily of interest to historians and those studying the administrative history of Finland.