rekillä

Reki is a traditional Finnish word referring to a sled or sleigh, typically used for transportation of goods or people over snow and ice. Historically, reki were an essential tool in Finnish rural life, especially during the long winter months. They were commonly pulled by horses, though oxen were also used in some regions. The design of a reki varied depending on its intended purpose, with some being simple flat platforms for carrying firewood or hay, while others featured more elaborate structures with seats for passengers.

The construction of reki was often a skilled craft, utilizing local timber like pine and spruce. The runners, which came into contact with the snow, were crucial for smooth gliding and were often made from wood, sometimes reinforced with metal. The development of the reki evolved over centuries, adapting to changing needs and available materials. In modern times, while less common for primary transportation, reki are still used in some rural areas for practical purposes and are also popular for recreational activities like sledding and cross-country skiing excursions where luggage needs to be carried. The concept of the reki continues to be a part of Finnish cultural heritage, evoking images of winter landscapes and traditional ways of life.