vartalostus

Vartalostus is a Finnish language term used to describe a period of collective guilt or shame that existed in Finland following the Continuation War (1941-1944) and the subsequent Continuation Crisis (1944-1948). The term roughly translates to "guilt atmosphere" or "a climate of guilt."

During this time, many Finns felt a sense of collective responsibility for the actions of the Finnish army, particularly with regards to the treatment of Soviet prisoners of war and the targeting of civilians in the Soviet Union. The feelings of guilt and responsibility were fueled by reports of atrocities committed by Finnish soldiers and the international condemnation of Finland's actions during the war.

The sense of vartalostus was also influenced by the economic hardships and social disruption that occurred during and after the war. Many Finns struggled to come to terms with the country's role in the war and the impact it had on the nation's reputation.

In the aftermath of the war, efforts were made to address the sense of vartalostus and to rebuild Finland's international reputation. Transparency and accountability were emphasized, and public debates about the country's role in the war and its treatment of prisoners of war took place.

The concept of vartalostus highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of Finnish national identity during this period. It also reflects the country's ongoing struggle to come to terms with its historical actions and to build a more nuanced understanding of its national psyche.