öötaja

Öötaja is a Finnish term that translates to "night watchman" or "night guard." Historically, öötajas were employed in villages and towns to patrol during the night. Their primary responsibilities included maintaining order, deterring crime, and raising the alarm in case of emergencies such as fires. They would often walk designated routes, carrying lanterns and sometimes a horn to signal.

The role of the öötaja was particularly important in pre-modern times when formal policing was less developed. They served as a visible presence of authority and a deterrent to potential wrongdoers. Their duties could also extend to checking if doors and windows were secured and ensuring that no unauthorized activities were taking place. In some communities, the öötaja might also have been responsible for waking people up in the morning or announcing important news.

While the traditional role of the öötaja has largely been superseded by modern police forces and security services, the concept remains culturally relevant in Finland. The term might occasionally be used metaphorically to describe someone who stays up late or keeps watch over something. The image of the lone night watchman, patrolling the quiet streets, is a familiar one in folklore and historical accounts.