In English:
First our personal touch to this matter.
Many years ago me, my wife, my daughter and my granddaughter, we where washing our carpets in Helsinki in Kaivopuisto area. This place is famous place for tourist busses to stop and to photograph carpet washers. One bus was full of French tourists. Soon they found us and my daughter who was graduated in French school / college in Helsinki. They were curious to know why she talks French so perfectly. She told to them that she graduated in French school in Helsinki. They were very happy and lucky, because my daughter could tell them the washing process. Many of this group, especially men, wanted themselves to try to wash carpets and they found that it was not so easy than they toughed.
Now to the post.
My photos are in three parts. First ten photos are from 2006 and they are photographed by using my 8.3 megapixel pocket camera Panasonic Lumix DMC LX-1 from 2006. Next sixteen photos I took in 2011 with my actual camera Nikon D300 having 12.3 megapixels. Last ten photos are from 2005 from the area where I live. Them I photographed using my first digital camera Panasonic Lumix DMC FX7 having 5.0 megapixels from 2004. So now You can compare the quality of three different types of camera.
The process of washing carpets goes this way. First, moisten carpets with water thoroughly and pour some liquid of pine soap. Second, scrub them using scrub brush. Third, Rinse well. Fourth, dry them using manual drying machine. Finally hang them on drying rack for carpets. The last phase can be skipped, if You have possibility to dry them at home. My photos tell better all these than my “lousy” text.
Enjoy the Finnish tradition of carpet washing thru my photos.
En español:
En primer lugar nuestro toque personal a este asunto.
Hace muchos años, yo, mi esposa, mi hija y mi nieta, cuando nos lavábamos alfombras en Helsinki en el área Kaivopuisto. Este lugar es famoso lugar para los autobuses turísticos para que parar y fotografiar lavadoras de alfombras. Un autobús estaba lleno de turistas franceses. Pronto se encontraron con nosotros y mi hija que se graduó en la escuela de francés / de la universidad de Helsinki. Ellos tenían curiosidad por saber por qué ella habla francés perfectamente. Ella le dijo a ellos que se graduó en la escuela de francés en Helsinki. Eran muy feliz y afortunado, porque mi hija podía decirles el proceso de lavado. Muchos de este grupo, especialmente los hombres, se quería tratar de lavar las alfombras y se encontraron con que no era tan fácil de lo que toughed.
Ahora, al mi poste.
Mis fotos son en tres partes. En primer lugar diez fotos son de 2006 y se fotografió usando mi 8,3 megapíxeles bolsillo cámara Panasonic Lumix DMC LX-1 a partir de 2006. Siguientes dieciséis fotografías que tomé en 2011 con mi actual cámara Nikon D300 con 12,3 megapíxeles. Últimos diez fotos son de 2005, de la zona donde vivo. Aquellas he fotografiado con mi primera cámara digital Panasonic Lumix DMC FX7 tiene 5,0 megapíxeles de 2004. Así que ahora usted puede comparar la calidad de los tres diferentes tipos de cámara.
El proceso de lavado de alfombras va de esta manera. En primer lugar, humedezca alfombras con agua abundante y vierta un poco de jabón líquido de pino. En segundo lugar, les restriegue con el fregado de cepillo. En tercer lugar, enjuague bien. En cuarto lugar, séquelos con máquina manual secado. Finalmente colgar en tendedero para alfombras. La última fase se puede omitir, si tienes posibilidad de que se sequen en casa. Mis fotos cuentan mejor todo esto que mi ” inadecuado” texto.
Disfrute de la tradición finlandesa de alfombra lavado a través de mis fotos.
En francais:
Premièrement, notre touche personnelle à ce sujet.
Il y a plusieurs années, mon épouse, ma fille et ma petite-fille, nous étions laver les tapis à Helsinki en zone de Kaivopuisto. Cet endroit est un lieu célèbre pour les bus touristiques de s’arrêter et de photographier les rondelles de tapis. Un bus était plein de craquer de touristes français. Bientôt ils nous ont trouvé et ma fille qui a été obtenu dans une école française / collège à Helsinki. Ils étaient curieux de savoir pourquoi elle parle français si parfaitement. Elle a dit à eux qu’elle a été graduée dans une école française à Helsinki. Ils étaient très heureux et chanceux, parce que ma fille pourrait leur expliquer que le processus de lavage. Beaucoup de ce groupe, en particulier les hommes, ont voulu eux-mêmes pour essayer de lavage les tapis et ils ont trouvé que ce n’était pas si facile que ce qu’ils débrouillés.
Maintenant, pour le poste.
Mes photos sont en trois parties. Première dix photos datent de 2006 et ils sont photographiés à l’aide de mon 8,3 mégapixels poche caméra Panasonic Lumix DMC LX-1 à partir de 2006. Suivant seize photos que j’ai prises en 2011 avec mon appareil photo Nikon D300 réelle ayant 12,3 millions de pixels. Les dix dernières photos sont de 2005 de la région où je vis. Je leur photographiées avec mon premier appareil photo numérique Panasonic Lumix DMC FX7 ayant 5,0 mégapixels à partir de 2004. Alors maintenant, vous pouvez comparer la qualité des trois différents types de caméra.
Le processus de lavage des tapis va dans ce sens. Tout d’abord, mouillez avec de l’eau tapis à fond et versez un peu de savon liquide pin. Deuxièmement, les laver avec une broussaille. Troisièmement, Rincez bien. Quatrièmement, les sécher à l’aide de séchage machine manuelle. Enfin les accrocher sur la grille de séchage pour les tapis. La dernière phase peut être ignorée, si vous avez la possibilité de les sécher à la maison. Mes photos racontent mieux que tout cela mon “minable” texte.
Savourez de la tradition finlandaise de tapis à laver travers mes photos.
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Traditional carpet washing / Lavando alfombras tradicionalmente / Lavage de tapis traditionnellement
Another post about Finnish tradition / Otra poste sobre tradición finlandesa / Autre post sur la tradition finlandaise:
Christmas tradition / Tradición de Navidad / Tradition de Noël
Travels in Finland and abroad 
That is a very interesting tradition and it’s interesting also to see the facilities that you have for doing it! Looks like a lot of work, but the surroundings of the washing facilities are so pleasant! Yes, I can see the difference in the cameras you used!
Comment by montucky — October 5, 2012 @ 07:33 |
Hi Terry.
Isn’t “funny” that these kind traditions yet exist? This summer we have been so busy that we did not have time to wash some of our carpets. Thank You for Your comment.
Happy Friday!
Comment by Sartenada — October 5, 2012 @ 11:30 |
Hi!
you have the ability to make us feel as if we were in Finland, or even as if we are Finn. We could know much about the Finnish life more than the Finn do know. Thank you very much for caring about us and for respecting us. once more No one can expect your next destination.
Hussein Omar
from Egypt
Comment by hussein Omar — October 5, 2012 @ 12:56 |
Hello Hussein Omar.
Thank You for Your comment. It warmed my heart. Well, next destination is…
Happy Friday.
Comment by Sartenada — October 5, 2012 @ 12:59 |
This is really interesting to see the washing process! It’s a lot of work, but well worth it when you have clean fresh carpets… 🙂
Comment by megtraveling — October 5, 2012 @ 13:08 |
Hi Megtraveling.
It is worth sure. You cannot imagine lovely “fragrance” there is few days in carpets when they are on floor. I am glad that You commented my post. Thank You.
Happy Friday!
Comment by Sartenada — October 5, 2012 @ 13:16 |
This is fantastic – I wish we had a facility like that here. I know I would certainly use it … Again, thank you for sharing! 🙂
Comment by basildonkitchens — October 5, 2012 @ 14:19 |
Hi Connie.
Nice to read that You enjoyed the idea of washing carpets in this way. What about if You would be “primus motor” to arrange there this kind of carpet washing possibilities. Thank You for Your visit and comment.
Have a lovely day!
Comment by Sartenada — October 5, 2012 @ 14:29 |
Wonderful idea – I will have to investigate this option 😉
Comment by basildonkitchens — October 5, 2012 @ 14:32 |
If only we had those here!! Right now I’m looking at a very dirty 8′ x 10′ rug that needs a trip to the carpet cleaning company!! How wonderful if I could do it myself as you do!
Great post and photos!
Comment by SmallHouseBigGarden — October 5, 2012 @ 18:17 |
Hello Karen.
I am glad that You did like our traditional carpet washing. Thank You for Your comment.
Have a wonderful day!
Comment by Sartenada — October 6, 2012 @ 13:28 |
Very interesting post Sartenada. I imagine you all have very clean carpets. Here we take them to the dry cleaner or if they are small enough and can be washed, to the laundry mat and use an extra large washing machine. Does it bother the fish to get the soap in the lake?
Have a nice weekend!
Comment by Bondseye — October 5, 2012 @ 20:07 |
Hello Lisa.
That soap which is used is nature friendly – it is proven. It is Finnish made and especially designed and developed for carpet cleaning and stain removal. Those photos in which You saw water are from Helsinki and the water is a sea and it is called Gulf of Finland. In the area of Helsinki there are 14 places around Helsinki these “carpet washing piers”. The other photos are from countryside where we live and all the system is maintained by the municipality. That means installation of equipment, municipal water and waste water management. The same can be done everywhere in the world, if there are any need. Thank You commenting.
Have a lovely day!
Comment by Sartenada — October 6, 2012 @ 13:45 |
This is very interesting and a nice place to wash carpets. I must bring my carpets to you 🙂
Comment by Northern Narratives — October 5, 2012 @ 23:19 |
Hello Northern Narratives.
Oh, yeah, bring Your carpets here, we’ll wash them. 🙂 Thank You for Your visit and comment.
Happy Saturday!
Comment by Sartenada — October 6, 2012 @ 13:48 |
Well you certainly could not ask for a nicer location to perform this task.
Comment by Phil Lanoue — October 5, 2012 @ 23:26 |
Hi Phil.
Yes, the location is beautiful. First photos are from the center of Helsinki by the seaside. I am glad that You visited my site and left Your comment.
Happy Saturday!
Comment by Sartenada — October 6, 2012 @ 13:50 |
Thanks for sharing this fascinating tradition with us. This is the first that I’ve heard of it, but I really enjoyed the photos. It’s wonderful that the facilities are available for washing carpets.
Comment by seniorhiker — October 6, 2012 @ 04:44 |
Hello George.
Yes, idea is nice as also the realization. I am happy for Your comment. Thank You.
Have a wonderful week-end!
Comment by Sartenada — October 6, 2012 @ 13:53 |
I enjoyed seeing your photos that illustrated the traditional process. Washing carpets with others in such scenic settings almost makes it seem like a “carpet-washing festival.” 🙂
Comment by Deb Platt — October 6, 2012 @ 05:14 |
Hi Deb.
So nice said – “carpet-washing festival”. I am glad that You did like our idea to wash carpets in this way. Thank You.
Have a wonderful week-end!
Comment by Sartenada — October 6, 2012 @ 13:55 |
Hi Matti! I am very surprised to find such a tradition in one of our neighboring countries: Wash Stations for carpets, complete with all equipment for many people for washing carpets. Fantastic! I have not even heard of such a phenomenon anywhere before!
I wonder if there are such places in other countries than Finland?!
Comment by Truels — October 7, 2012 @ 00:31 |
Hi Truels.
Well, I am surprised that this is not spread around in our world. I never thought it, because it is so natural for us. There is old French song called “Les Lavandieres Du Portugal”. It was once very popular also in Finland. In this song it is told about laundresses in Setubal washing head scarf’s, but not carpets. When we were in Portugal in 1988 visiting Lisbon and Estoril, we also wanted to visit this town Setubal and to see places from which the song tells, we did not found. It seemed that there has not been any “Washerwomen from Portugal” in Setubal and the story in the song was invented.
Thank You commenting.
Here is the song to which I refer (in French):
Happy Sunday!
Comment by Sartenada — October 7, 2012 @ 08:18 |
i like the squeezing machine
Comment by under the skies of arkansas — October 7, 2012 @ 21:39 |
Hello Under the skies of Arkansas.
Thank You. Very nice that You noticed. In practice it is simple and functional. I think that it is idea is developed from a mangle / wringer. In Finland we have in use in our household electric wringers, but they are not used to squeeze water, but to iron bed sheets. After that they are twisted up and to cupboards’ shelves. Done this way they take little space and are sleek before use.
Here is a picture from a mangle with a stand which is sold in Finland. The one we use in our household is more simple and smaller.
Mangle
Happy Monday.
Comment by Sartenada — October 8, 2012 @ 06:51 |
What a wonderful tradition and a wonderful way to do such a difficult job! I wish I could take all my carpets to the washing dock!
Comment by Heart To Harp — October 8, 2012 @ 04:35 |
Hi Janet.
I am happy that You checked this post and thus got information from one of our old traditions. Thank You.
Have a wonderful day!
Comment by Sartenada — October 8, 2012 @ 06:53 |
What I most love about what I see here, Sartaneda, is the communal place and exercise this is…where everyone can come and do their thing. I love this sense of communitity. Very educational!
Comment by Ginnie — October 8, 2012 @ 09:31 |
Hi Ginnie.
I appreciate Your comment and it is so good to read that You love that communal place. These communal carpet washing place are all over Finland.
On country side people are yet today very honest, I mean that while carpets are drying on rack, people can visit their homes. In bigger towns and cities the situation is different. In many cases, people organize it so that when they are away short time, somebody of those washers take a look at other’s carpets. Finns are generally speaking very honest. When I was young boy and lived on countryside, doors were not locked; they were open day and night whether you are at home or not!!! There was no need to lock doors. Times have been changed in 60 years.
Have a wonderful day!
Comment by Sartenada — October 8, 2012 @ 10:32 |
What a process! It was fun seeing it through your eyes. Thanks.
Comment by TBM — October 9, 2012 @ 08:55 |
Hi TBM.
Well, in practice it is also. Sun shine and picnic lunch box full of something to eat, what could be better. Of course not to forget some “yummy” cool drinks. Thank You for Your comment.
Happy Tuesday.
Comment by Sartenada — October 9, 2012 @ 11:28 |
Vaya limpieza, ya veo que es una tradición ¡ Curioso !
Comment by trapatroles — October 9, 2012 @ 15:29 |
Hola Ramón.
Muy bien. Claro que si como digas, es verdaderamente un tradición . Muchas gracias.
¡Un saludo grande¡
Comment by Sartenada — October 9, 2012 @ 15:42 |
Hello Matti,
Je ne connaissais ni la chanson des lavandières du Portugal ni les laveurs de tapis Finlandais, merci pour ces découvertes !
Une tradition conviviale qui joint l’utile à l’agréable. 🙂
Bises et bonne semaine.
Comment by Marion B. — October 9, 2012 @ 16:49 |
Bonjour Marion.
La chanson est bien connue en Finland, mais pas par les jeunes plus, bien sûr que non. Je croix, mais j’en suis pas sûr, que En France il y a beaucoup des ne connaient pas cette chanson. Comme tu peut-être sais mes enfants ont passés dans école française á Helsinki a partir de cinq ans. C’est puourquoi ça queje connais les vielles chansons francaises aussi. Mon fils a commencé l’école françaises à l’âge de cinq ans en 1975 et trois ans plus tard ma fille. Je ne sais pas, si tu as vu la foto de la boîte d’allumette de l’école françaises dans mon post anterieure parmi mon collection des Vielles Boîtes d’allumettes, c’est formidable, de mon avis.
Belle journée et merci d’avoir fait ton comentare.
Bises.
Comment by Sartenada — October 10, 2012 @ 07:14 |
I think if I could wash my rag-rugs on a sunny day by the sparkling sea in Finland, they would be a lot cleaner than they are. 🙂 Beautiful pictures of a tradition that looks like it is still alive and well in Finland.
Comment by Elin — October 11, 2012 @ 14:41 |
Hello Elin.
So nicely said. I love it. Thank You.
Happy week-end!
Comment by Sartenada — October 13, 2012 @ 07:47 |
Your pictures are wonderful, and it surely looks like this is a labor of love. I have never seen anything like this before in pictures – they are unique and educational as far educating about the washing process. Your daughter sounds like she is very fluent in French, and it was good that she explained everything so well to the French tourists. Thanks again for another very informative post.
Comment by luchaniktravel — October 12, 2012 @ 00:23 |
Hello Davinder.
Thank You for Your nice comment. My daughter has been lucky when getting her jobs. Always her skills speaking many languages are appreciated and been in use by the employer. She learned after school during three years also Spanish and she was lucky again. The company sent her to Chile for three months to teach one computer program there. Every now and then she changes her job to get new challenges in big international companies.
Happy week-end!
Comment by Sartenada — October 13, 2012 @ 08:05 |
No había visto ni escuchado nada parecido, me parece de lo más original, yo no tengo ni una sola alfombra en toda la casa, pero desde luego de tenerlas me iría con ellas allí, maravilloso reportaje Sartemada, besos
Comment by ManoliRizoFotografia — October 12, 2012 @ 09:26 |
Hola Manoli
Me alegre tu comentario mucho. En Finlandia hay alfombras mucho en casas. No se, pero es possible, que alfombras dan calor en invierno y es por eso.
Muchas gracias al hacer tu comentario. Besitos.
Comment by Sartenada — October 13, 2012 @ 11:03 |
J’adore ce “post”. Tellement de souvenirs ! Les lavandières du Portugal que ma maman écoutait avec plaisir. Le lavage du linge en Afrique, sur de grosses pierres plates au bord des lacs ou des fleuves. Une volière où les femmes échangeaient les dernières nouvelles. J’imagine aussi le parfum du savon au pin quand les tapis finlandais sont secs et dans leur maison. Délicieux. Je ne savais pas du tout que cette tradition existait en Finlande. Bravo pour la conserver encore longtemps. Merci pour ces belles photos, toutes ! Est-ce que les tapis sont tissés en Finlande ?
Comment by isathreadsoflife — October 15, 2012 @ 20:46 |
Salut Isa.
Waaaoo! C’est beau ton commentaire plein de souvenirs. n’est-il pas drôle que quelqu’un comme moi connaît les vieilles chansons françaises? La plupart des tapis sont peut-être fabriqués en Finlande, c’est sûr, parce que nous avons du respect pour les traditions anciennes. Ici, proche où je vis, nous avons même des cours de tapis en lirette des hivers. Merci de m’avoir fait un commentaire si gentil.
Je vous souhaite une excellente journée.
Comment by Sartenada — October 16, 2012 @ 07:02 |
That is a very interesting tradition and it’s interesting also to see the facilities that you have for doing it! Looks like a lot of work, but the surroundings of the washing facilities are so pleasant! Yes, I can see the difference in the cameras you used!
Comment by achkar — January 18, 2013 @ 17:12 |
Hello Simo.
Thank You. I am happy that You checked this post in which our tradition is continuing. We have many traditions, but we are not aware about them, because we think that everywhere it is the same.
Happy Friday!
Comment by Sartenada — January 18, 2013 @ 17:20 |
Gracias por la información sobre el lavado de alfombras! Muy interesante por cierto, Saludos estimado y suerte.
Comment by Lucas — June 26, 2014 @ 09:41 |
Hola Lucas.
Muchas gracias al hacer tu comentario.
Comment by Sartenada — June 26, 2014 @ 10:46 |
This is an older post, but it is new to me. Once again, I am amazed and in awe of the common sense and ingenuity of the Finnish people. Absolutely fascinating and if I told anyone about this in the U.S.A. they would scratch their heads and say “What?” Someday I will send you pictures of northern Wisconsin where the Finnish people live and you will see how similar the terrain is to their motherland.
Ginene
Comment by Ginene Nagel — December 22, 2014 @ 06:49 |
Hello Ginene.
I am glad that You commented this post. It would be lovely to see Your northern Wisconsin photos. Thank You commenting so nicely it. We have also some “odd” habits. For example we are not using shoes inside our homes! My family is bare foot inside! I would be very happy for Your photos.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Comment by Sartenada — December 22, 2014 @ 08:53 |
I adored this “social” post!
Wouldn’t have thought of such habit, nowadays!
I’m glad to have found this entry and learn something more about Finland!
Season greetings to Anja and you and a big hug!
Comment by 76sanfermo — December 22, 2014 @ 12:05 |
Ciao Anna.
Well, as You have noticed we are “odd” people. 🙂 Last summer in Mikkeli in my home town people washed their carpets in Saimaa Lake, but communal washing places will become mandatory slowly. In Helsinki traditional carpet washing is a tourist attraction.
Season greetings to You and Yours! Abbracci.
Comment by Sartenada — December 22, 2014 @ 12:16 |
Very interesting, another surprise, I did not know this. What a lovely social gathering, especially on a lovely day. Great photos and subject.
Comment by Tokeloshe — June 17, 2015 @ 22:31 |
Hi Linda.
How nice that You found my old post. Traditions, yes they liv in every country. Thank You leaving your comment.
Have a wonderful day!
Comment by Sartenada — June 18, 2015 @ 07:30 |
That is very interesting, a social gathering like that too. Guess it is fun doing it with others there too. The tables are lovely big for this purpose and so it is quite good to do. Love that idea. Thanks for this interesting fact!
Comment by utesmile — July 5, 2016 @ 19:40 |
Hi Ute.
Yes, it is also social gathering. Imagine, sun shines; people are happy and enjoying tasty snacks with coffee or tea. This is also therapy for the busy life quality. Thank you for your praising comment.
Have a wonderful day!
Comment by Sartenada — July 6, 2016 @ 08:40 |
Thank you for visiting my blog….and commenting on my art! Your comment caused me to come and see your photography, poke around and stumble on this (I also viewed haymaking – which I found to be equally interesting). I must explain….my enthusiasm relates to the cultural differences I see in societies today – increasing technology has challenged and in fact, perverted (maybe that is too harsh a word, but I will use it anyway) our concepts about “work” and “tradition.” Where some see, and this is reinforced by your photography, washing carpets as a tradition and that the act is a social event…here in the US we either use a machine or assign the task to someone else by purchasing the service – so it is considered “work” which has a rather negative context. I hope, for your part of the world, that you do not lose your “traditions” or allow them to be contextually reframed into work that someone else should do for you. This difference, of course, assumes that we have a carpet that is worth the trouble to clean….heat-set polypropylene made in China is hardly worth dragging to the river! (haha)
Comment by Dana Doran — August 26, 2016 @ 15:26 |
Hello Dana Doran.
Wow, Thank You for Your gorgeous comment. I am very delighted that You treated this item so deeply.
Happy weekend.
Comment by Sartenada — August 27, 2016 @ 08:04 |
Matti, This post is very interesting and I think washing your carpets was a social hour originally as well as necessary, don’t you agree? I wondered about the soap and dirty water getting into the Gulf of Finland …..with environmental agencies what they are today is this still going on? In our country we would have protesters there everyday until these facilities were closed down…..traditions are not considered……What a shame, I like your way best! PS are the young people continuing with this tradition? I could see kids in the US just rolling there eyes and thinking this was much too much work. I’m afraid our kids have had a life that has been very easy on them……….
Comment by CadyLuck Leedy — January 28, 2020 @ 17:41 |
Cady.
Although we have developed excellent carpet detergents, more and more municipalities provide carpet washing facilities. This you did see, how Anja washed our carpets at the end of the post in Nurmijärvi!
Last time we saw carpet washing in a river in the town of Oulu, which is one of or favorite towns.
Thank you.
Comment by Sartenada — January 29, 2020 @ 08:27 |