vesilamppu

Vesilamppu, meaning "water lamp" in Finnish, is a type of lamp that uses oil and a wick to produce light, with water often present in the reservoir to prevent the oil from overheating or to suppress flames. These lamps were common in households and other settings before the widespread adoption of electricity.

The basic design of a vesilamppu typically involves a container for fuel, usually oil, and a wick that draws the oil up to be burned. The presence of water in the oil reservoir served a practical purpose. It could help to keep the oil cooler, potentially extending its burning time and reducing the risk of the oil becoming too volatile. In some variations, the water might have been placed below the oil layer, acting as a barrier that could help to extinguish the flame if the lamp were tipped over, thus offering a degree of fire safety.

Vesilamput were particularly prevalent in rural areas and during periods when electricity was not readily available. They provided essential illumination for domestic tasks, reading, and general ambiance. While their primary use was for lighting, some decorative vesilamput also existed, incorporating more elaborate designs and materials. The technology represented a significant step in portable and accessible lighting solutions before the advent of modern lighting technologies. Their historical significance lies in their role in daily life and the development of illumination methods.