rauhaset

Rauhaset is a Finnish noun in the plural form, commonly translated as “peace tokens” or “tokens of peace.” The term appears in historical and folkloric contexts and is not a standard part of everyday modern Finnish.

Etymology and scope: Rauhaset is formed from the root rauha, meaning peace, with the plural suffix -set. It denotes items or gestures associated with peace-making within a given community. The exact forms of rauhaset varied by region and era, making the concept flexible rather than tied to a single uniform practice.

Usage and context: In traditional Finnish-speaking communities, rauhaset referred to small physical objects or symbolic acts exchanged to signal a truces or the restoration of harmony between groups or individuals. Examples could include tokens, pieces of cloth, beads, or other locally meaningful objects, often accompanied by verbal assurances or oaths. The practice functioned as a tangible reminder of an agreement and helped to sustain social reconciliation.

Contemporary usage: Today, rauhaset are rarely referenced outside of historical, ethnographic, or literary discussions. When they do appear, the term is usually used descriptively to describe past peace-making rituals or employed metaphorically to discuss symbolic gestures in modern peace-building efforts.

See also: rauha, rauhansopimus, peace treaty, reconciliation.