Along Russian Karelia in summer of 1879 |
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Karelian villages differ from those on the Finnish side mostly because their houses are not built randomly like ours, but gathered closely together. This difference is already visible in border villages – Minozero and Kamenozero. The deeper you go into Karelia the more obvious this feature becomes. For example, there are 90 houses in village Poduzhemye (first village on a way from town of Kem), within just half of versta from the first to the last. Usually, houses are in row on one or both sides of the road so that some of the villages could be called small towns. The other distinction between Karelian and Finnish villages is the building construction method. It is completely different. . . . I’ve also inquired if Finns consider themselves very different from Karelians, the same way as Karelians. The answer I got was that Russians put Karels below themselves. The word “Koreljaks” – referring to Korelians, is almost a swear word for them. In turn, Korels call Russians “Russaks”. . . . Honesty, law-abidance, seriousness of mind, prudence and religiosity are characteristics usually applied with praise to Finns, especially Finns from Grand Duchy of Finland. Karelians, however, have those same qualities. As for honesty, it is worth mentioning that nothing disappeared from our luggage despite it was unlocked and unattended for hours. . . . During our journey, we haven’t heard anything about hard alcohol drinks nor have we seen any drunks, with the exception of town of Kem and village Kerety. . . . Surprisingly, Karelians saved their national identity and features in relation to Russia. In my opinion self-awareness may become a significant force if awakened and encouraged. However, one can’t deny that that russiness has already expanded deeply in Karelia. Considering its current progress, it would rapidly advance in all of Karelia. One could easily guess who the winner will be in this battle between the two nationalities while the handful of Karelians compete against the endless Russian hordes. If preservation of their identity and culture is possible at all, they need outside help. Due to the imminent danger of this culture’s extinction, this help can not be delayed for long, or it will be too late. . . . Karelians have been successful in keeping up their long battle to preserve national identity up to now. Hopefully, they will succeed with the help that we must provide, and the wonderful Karelian land will be freed of foreigners. |
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August Vilhelm Ervasti Translated by Margarita Matthew, 2024 |
