Travels in Finland and abroad

February 15, 2013

Poor-man statues 7 / Estatuas de pobre hombre 7 / Statues de Pauvre Homme 7

In English:

Original English text updated in March 2014. In this series there are presented 57 paupers.

These historical wooden Poor-man (pauper) wooden statues are presented in their original surroundings. It is difficult to understand them at first, because man can find them only in Finland and some in Sweden. They are found mainly on the area called Ostrobothnia in Finland. They are part of our cultural heritage and thus being something special. What they are, why man made them, what is their history and how many of them exist? All these questions are replied in my next three posts.

Since I saw the first one nearly ten years ago, I felt sympathy to them. They were so cute, so live looking and well made. Seeing those statues later after years, many of them were in bad condition, I came sad. I saw that time and hard weather had left marks on them. I asked myself if anybody takes care of them, because they needed urgent restoration.

According to the latest calculations there are 145 paupers from which 107 (poor-man statues) + 1 (poor-woman statue) in active service, meaning collecting money to the poor. The rest of them are found in local museums around Finland. Total number of them is calculated to been about 180. In Sweden there are only nine paupers left.

Background:

All this began in 1649 (at that time Finland was under administration of Sweden) when Swedish queen Kristina (1629 – 1689) gave order to make money collection logs. In Europe wars raged around and many soldiers wounded in wars losing foot or arm. When wounded in this way they had to return to their home. These money collection-logs were modified to pauper (poor-man) statues by local artists. They were placed usually beside church doors and on the walls of bell towers. Man built for them small wooden shelter to protect them sun shine, direct rain and snow. In recent years many churches moved them into porches. So, many pauper statues present men missing hand, foot or even ear having models from solders maimed in wars. Man must remember that in the 1700, 1800 and 1900 century people were very poor, but they visited church every Sunday faithfully. I think that these pauper statues were great start for modern help of the poor (social security).

Pauper statues have moneybox in their chest and to put coins into them there is a slot in the chest. In general the Finnish people are honest and this means that there a few robberies against the pauper statues. Robberies have happened, yes indeed. Latest robbery happened in 2013 when the whole pauper statue in Rautio was stolen. It was found after winter in a ditch. The lock and money box were missing, but the statue was in good condition. Also the pauper of Alavieska has been robbed many times. In addition to these robberies, there have been some minor mischiefs like removing hands. Many paupers have beside them a written small phrase. Although the text might slightly differ from others, the main idea is: “he who has mercy on the poor, lends to the Lord”.
My posts go this way: First I present four churches and after photos of every church I show poor man statues with general views and close-ups. Because all pauper statues are presented in their natural environment, You will see also photos from churches, Chandeliers, Pulpits,Altapieces,Altars, Memorialsand Belltowers.

Always I could not visit churches inside, but in many cases yes. Enjoy our cultural heritage!

En español:

Historia de pobres hombres tallada en madera y la estatua estatua de pobrecita mujer.

Hay 107 estatuas de pobre hombres y una estatua de pobrecita mujer.

Al manejar mi carro alrededor en mi país, sacando fotos de las iglesias he encontrado algunas estatuas raras al lado de iglesias o campanarios. Ellos eran hombres o mujeres, y siempre sus mano o el pie había desaparecido, pero de todos modos esos estatues veía bien. Al examinar más de cerca encontré un hueco en ellos. Entonces entendí que se puede poner dinero en el hueco y dentro hay una cajita. ¿Por qué estos cajas / estatuas en madera de pobre hombres mendigos, se han creado, ¿cuándo?

Todo esto empieza en 1649 cuando la reina Cristina de Suecia dio la orden para hacer los leños de los pobres y ponerlos al lado de las puertas de las iglesias, campanarios o algunos lugares públicos. Pronto los leños de los pobres fueron modificados para estatuas de pobre hombre par artistas locales en Finlandia. En ese tiempo Finlandia estaba bajo la administración de Suecia. En Europa guerras devastó todos partes en Europa y muchos soldados heridos mismos perdiendo su pie o el brazo. Cuando heridos de esta manera ellos tuvieron que regresar a su casa.

En el 1700, 1800 y 1900 la gente del siglo era muy pobre, pero ellos visitaron la iglesia todos los domingos fielmente, así el lugar natural para esas estatuas pobres-el hombre estaba fue junto a iglesias o campanarios. Tal vez estas estatuas de pobres hombres ayudó a los más pobres, por supuesto, no existen estadicas.

Este post va de esta manera: Primero presento cuatro iglesias y después las fotos de estatuas pobres hombres.

En esta séptimo parte en que presento estatuas pobres hombres en Finlandia, no hay esta vez imágenes de dentro de las iglesias. Lo siento. Estas fotos tomó con todas las cámaras digitales que tengo. Fotos de Kalajoki joki tomé con mi primera cámara digital PanasonicLumix DMC FX7 (5,0 megapíxeles) que compré 2004. Kuru y Lohtaja con Panasonic Lumix DMC LX-1 (8,3 megapíxeles) que compré 2006. Ruovesi fotos con Nikon D300 (12,3 megapíxeles) que compré 2008.

Para compensar la falta fotos del dentro de las iglesias, hay algo nuevo que Usted no sabe de nuestra historia – Botes de remos de Iglesia. Hay entre las fotos de Kuru y Ruovesi, botes de remos Iglesia. En nuestro país hay botes de remos de iglesia con una longitud de 18 m / 59 pies, ancho 2,2 m / 7,2 pies y diez pares de remos. ¿Por qué Botes de remos de Iglesia? En tiempos históricos aldeanos tenían su propio bote de remos de Iglesia y remaron por ella a la iglesia.

En francais:

Histoire de statues sculptées en bois de pauvre-homme et de pauvre-femme statue.

Il ya 107 statues de pauvre-hommes et une statue pauvre femme.

Lorsque je conduisais autour dans mon pays pour prendre des photos des églises sur la campagne, j’ai trouvé quelques statues particulières à côté des églises ou des campaniles. Ils étaient des hommes ou des femmes et dont toujours la main ou le pied les manquait, mais de toute façon ces statues avaient l’air si bien. Lorsque en examinant les de plus près, j’ai trouvé une fente. Puis j’ai réalisé que l’on peut mettre des pièces à l’intérieur dans la fente du bûche. Pourquoi ces pauvres bûches / pauvre-homme de bois / bois statues mendiants ont été mis en place, quand?

Tout cela commence 1649 quand Christine de Suède a donné l’ordre de faire les pauvres bûches et de les mettre à côté des portes d’église, clochers ou de certains lieux publics. Bientôt ces pauvres bûches ont été modifiés pour homme pauvres statues par des artistes locaux en Finlande. En ce moment la Finlande était sous l’administration de la Suède. Les guerres faisaient rage autour de l’Europe et nombreux soldats blessés ont perdu le pied ou le bras. Lorsque blessés de cette façon ils devaient retourner à leur domicile.
Dans les années 1700, 1800 et 1900 les gens était très pauvres, mais ils ont visité l’église chaque dimanche fidèlement, de sorte que, le lieu naturel pour ces statues de pauvres-hommes était à côté des églises ou des campaniles. Peut-être ces statues de pauvres-hommes ont aidé les plus pauvres, mais des statistiques, ils existent pas bien sûr.

Mon poste va dans cette façon: Premièrement je présente quatre églises et puis et à la fin les photos de statues de pauvre hommes.

Dans cette septième partie où présente statues de pauvre-hommes en Finlande, cette fois j’ai pas de photos de l’intérieur des églises. Désolé. Ces photos que j’ai prises avec tous mes caméras numérique. Kalajoki photos que j’ai prises avec mon premier appareil photo numérique DMC PanasonicLumix FX7 (5,0 mégapixels), j’ai le acheté 2004. Kuru et Lohtaja photos avec Panasonic Lumix DMC LX-1 (8,3 mégapixels), j’ai acheté 2006. Ruovesi photos avec un Nikon D300 (12,3 mégapixels), j’ai acheté 2008.

Pour compenser le manque de photos à l’intérieur des églises, il ya quelque chose de nouveau que vous ne connaissez pas notre histoire – bateaux à rames de l’église. Parmi les photos de Kuru et Ruovesi il y a bateau à rames de l’église. Dans notre pays, il y a des bateaux à rames église avec une longueur de 18 mètres / 59 pieds, largeur 2,2 m / 7,2 ft et dix paires d’avirons. Pourquoi bateaux à rames de l’église? Dans les temps historiques villageois avaient leur propre bateau à rames de l’église et ils ramaient en bateau à rames de l’église à l’église.

Kalajoki - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kuru – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Lohtaja – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi - Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Ruovesi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme

Kalajoki(photos / fotos 2006):

Church built 1778 / Iglesia construida 1833 / Église construite 11778
Belltower built 1811-1814 / Campanario construido 1811-1814 / Clocher construit 1811-1814
Height of Poor-man statue 181cm (5 feet and11.2 inches) / Altura de estatua de pobre hombre 181cm / Hauteur de statue de pauvre Homme 181cm. Statue from decades ? / Estatua de los años ? / Statue dans les années ?

Kuru (photos / fotos 2006):

Church built 1781 / Iglesia construida 1781 / Église construite 1781
Belltower built ? / Campanario construido ?- / Clocher construite ?. Height of Poor-man statue 147cm (4 feet and 8.9 inches) / Altura de estatua de pobre hombre 1471cm / Hauteur de statue de pauvre Homme 147cm. Statue from decades ? / Estatua de los años ? / Statue dans les années ?

Lohtaja (photos / fotos 2006):

Church built 1768 / Iglesia construida 1768 / Église construite 1768
Belltower built 1732 / Campanario construido 1732/ Clocher construite 1732?
Height of Poor-man statue 166cm (5 feet and 5.3 inches) / Altura de estatua de pobre hombre 166cm / Hauteur de statue de pauvre Homme 166cm. Statue from1854 / Estatua de 1854 / Statue de l’an de1854

Ruovesi (photos / fotos 2009):

Church built 1778/ Iglesia construida 1778/ Église construite 1778
Belltower built 1772 / Campanario construido 1772 / Clocher construite 1772
Height of Poor-man statue 120cm (3 feet and 11.2 inches) / Altura de estatua de pobre hombre 120cm / Hauteur de statue de pauvre Hommer 120cm. Statue from decades ? / Estatua de los años ? / Statue dans les années ?

Poor-man statues 6 / Estatuas de pobre hombre 6 / Statues de Pauvre Homme 6

Poor-man statues 8 / Estatuas de pobre hombre 8 / Statues de Pauvre Homme 8

36 Comments »

  1. Another very interesting, well researched and photographed post Matti. 🙂

    Comment by Chillbrook — February 15, 2013 @ 09:55 | Reply

    • Hi Chillbrook.

      Thank You commenting and following my series. I really appreciate Your visit.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 15, 2013 @ 09:57 | Reply

  2. Thank you for these wonderful glimpses of the history and culture of Finland! Such a wonderful post, encompassing art, faith and history which just happen to be all my favorite topics! The rowboats totally surprised me…it’s not a mode of transport one thinks about in terms of getting to church!
    I especially liked the pictures of you guys standing near the poor man statues…it gave context to their sizes which I had wondered about.
    Perhaps this is purely American thinking, but how often was money stolen from these statues….or worse, do you think some of the statues were stolen completely?
    My fave church is Ruovesi. What a pretty setting. I especially like the color it’s painted!

    Comment by SmallHouseBigGarden — February 15, 2013 @ 10:38 | Reply

    • Hello Karen.

      Thank You for Your lovely comment. Well, church rowing boats are quite natural, because many churches are by lakes. In Finland we have 187 888 lakes! Another way to visit churches from far away was by horses. In winter they needed shelter. I have made a post presenting Historical church stables. They are incredible telling stories from our history.

      What comes to stealing, it has happened also. Sometimes somebody has cut off a hand from a Poor-man statue, grrrr.

      Have a lovely day!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 15, 2013 @ 11:52 | Reply

  3. the poor man dressed in what looks like clerical clothing is the only one I can remembers seeing having some sort of writing on him can I ask what does it say? Is this one different in some way to the others

    Comment by paulaacton — February 15, 2013 @ 11:41 | Reply

    • Hi Paula.

      Thank You again commenting and following my series. If I understand correct You mean the text which is visible in the Poor-man of Kalajoki. My free translation is: “Love the poor, and do not turn your eyes away from them, then God looks on you as well.” I hope that You understand it. The text is written in old-time character model and way and today it is difficult to interpret correct. Maybe not to others, but me in any case. 🙂 Many of Poor-man statues has message, but not every one.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 15, 2013 @ 12:20 | Reply

  4. tes photos sont magnifiques mais sur une j’ai vu une femme bien sympathique serais-ce toi? bisous mon amie MA

    Comment by AUDOLY-NOURIAN — February 15, 2013 @ 13:59 | Reply

    • Bonjour Toinon.

      Eh bien, La femme, elle est ma femme. 🙂 Moi, j’suis à côté le bateaux à rames de l’église. : Merci d’avoir fait ton comentaire.

      Belle journée. Bisous.

      Comment by Sartenada — February 15, 2013 @ 15:38 | Reply

  5. These are such beautiful pictures! Thank you for including pictures of the church row boats – that is a very interesting story too…

    Comment by megtraveling — February 15, 2013 @ 14:22 | Reply

    • Hi Megtraveling.

      Thank You. I am so happy that You follow my series and make comments.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 15, 2013 @ 15:39 | Reply

  6. This is interesting and a thought just occurred to me. We have people who remind me of the poor man statues. They stand along the road intersections where there are stoplights and they too have a sign saying why they are poor and to please give them money. I love the last yellow church, the shape of it is different than most churches. Thanks for the in-depth coverage of this.

    Comment by Bondseye — February 15, 2013 @ 14:50 | Reply

    • Hello Lisa.

      You are right. Great comment. Yes, there have been poor people and there will be poor people in our world. Thank You commenting and following my series.

      Have a lovely day!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 15, 2013 @ 15:44 | Reply

  7. j’aime bien la couleur bordeau de la deuxième église

    Comment by l'Angevine — February 15, 2013 @ 16:30 | Reply

    • Bonjour Angevine.

      Mon coeur est heureux pour votre commentaire. Merci beaucoup.

      Belle journée.

      Comment by Sartenada — February 16, 2013 @ 10:52 | Reply

  8. This is a delightful series. The red church really stands out with its interesting turret. It’s really quite beautiful.

    Comment by elisaruland — February 15, 2013 @ 17:57 | Reply

    • Hi Elisa.

      My heart sings happiness when reading Your comment. Thank You.

      Have a great week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 16, 2013 @ 11:42 | Reply

  9. The first poor man looks quite dismayed to be standing out-of-doors! I cannot imagine rowing such a large boat. These people were really motivated to go to church! Happy weekend, Matti!

    Comment by Heart To Harp — February 15, 2013 @ 18:31 | Reply

    • Hello Janet.

      Thank You for Your lovely comment. Yet today in Finland there are rowing boat competitions with this kind of boat.

      Have a great week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 16, 2013 @ 11:50 | Reply

  10. Such a wonderful series of the poor man statues! I really enjoy viewing these photos. Beautiful churches and statues, and the boat is fab. Thanks, Matti!

    Comment by Amy — February 15, 2013 @ 20:55 | Reply

    • Hi Amy.

      I am glad that You love my series and photos. Thank You.

      Have a lovely week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 16, 2013 @ 11:52 | Reply

  11. Some statues really are life size aren’t they – good to see you both in a few photos for scale. I’m interested in war memorials so appreciated those photos as well. I know nothing of Finland’s involvement in WWII so have just now done a bit of online research.

    Comment by hayley — February 16, 2013 @ 00:50 | Reply

    • Hi Hayley.

      Yes, indeed some statues are big. Thank You showing interest towards war memorials. due to world war II, we have them “nearly” on every graveyard. Our war memorials are not presenting war heroes, but suffering, pain, sorrow and war widows and war orphans!

      I have made two posts from our war memorials. Here:

      Take a look at war memorial of Kannonkoski. I think it’s most touching thing I’ve ever seen.

      Comparing war memorials I

      Comparing war memorials II

      Read comments also, because there might be more info. Thank You.

      Happy week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 16, 2013 @ 12:07 | Reply

  12. Bonjour Matti,
    J’aime cette ancienne tradition des bateaux à rames… et bien entendu regarder ces viieille coques.
    Encore de très belles églises, j’aime la lumière sur celle de Ruovesi (ruovesi_church_iglesia_eglise_-3).
    De sacrées richesses pour les “poor men” !
    Bises et bonne semaine

    Comment by Marion B. — February 18, 2013 @ 14:23 | Reply

    • Bonjour Marion.

      Merci beaucoup pour ton visite et ton commentaire. Mon cœur se réjouit!

      Qu’est-ce une coïncidence ce que c’était aujourd’hui! Au moment même temps quand tu as faits des commentaires, j’ai écrit à Nolwenn qui vit en France, à Rennes. Avant de connaisence á Nolwenn, nous (moi et ma femme) avons passé trois nuits à Rennes. Nolwenn a étudié 2009 des églises finlandaises pendant cinq semaines en Finlande et c’était à cause de mon ancien blog elle est venue ici.

      Dans mon vieux poste présentant Église de Lohja, elle est dans la photo numéro vingt.

      Voici mon poste:

      Église de Lohja.

      Bises et bonne semaine á toi aussi.

      Comment by Sartenada — February 18, 2013 @ 15:30 | Reply

  13. I always like seeing your poor man statues, and the church row boats were an interesting addition. I also liked seeing your car (at least I think that’s your car – the blue car) on some of the pictures – it lends a good contrast to some of your church pictures. Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures, Matti.

    Comment by luchaniktravel — February 19, 2013 @ 02:16 | Reply

    • Hello Davinder.

      Thank You for Your kind comment. I am happy that You liked row boats also. What comes to my blue car it is my “pride”. Cars are very expensive in Finland as this one also. I bought it already in January 2007 and I have kept it like a “precious flower in the palm of my hand”. Also it is completely protected against rust twice, as well as an extra oil change service in the mid of regular maintenance. When driving it on German highways it is a great joy to feel its power of 280 horses when accelerating. Anyway, I am gonna change it this year and also my new car must be blue. 🙂 Why blue? Because the blue color does not irritate other motorists.

      Have a great day!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 19, 2013 @ 08:30 | Reply

  14. I always enjoy seeing your photographs, Matti! This time I was fascinated by the rowboats!

    Comment by montucky — February 19, 2013 @ 05:44 | Reply

    • Hi Terry.

      I am very glad that You also liked my “extra” photos from our traditional huge rowing boats. Thank You commenting and following my series.

      Happy day!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 19, 2013 @ 08:44 | Reply

  15. Una colección realmente increible de 107 pobres hombres en madera. Me encantan. Saludos.

    Comment by trapatroles — February 19, 2013 @ 21:49 | Reply

    • Hola Ramón.

      Me alegro por tu visita y comentario. Muchas gracias. Mi serie de pobres hombres es realmente exceptionnel y me siento feliz al presentarlas aquí.

      ¡Un saludo grande¡

      Comment by Sartenada — February 21, 2013 @ 08:09 | Reply

  16. You have photographed these wonderful poor-man-statues a lot, Matti, it’s a pleasure to follow you around in Finland photographing these and the wonderful buildings.
    I have not been around here for a while, but now I’m trying to get the screw in the blog water again;-)

    Comment by Truels — February 20, 2013 @ 11:38 | Reply

    • Hi Truels.

      Thank You for Your kind comment. I am happy that You now understand that these statues are not “not whatsoever” statues by history and culture of Finland and thus reflecting Finnishness, which is not known elsewhere. Always man cannot make blogs often because of his own “real life”. Responsibilities call each of us.

      Have a great day!

      Comment by Sartenada — February 21, 2013 @ 08:33 | Reply

  17. Superbe photos . En Sologne il fait trés mauvais temps
    Bon Dimanche

    Comment by therese — February 24, 2013 @ 12:28 | Reply

    • Bonjour Therese.

      Merci d’avoir fait ton commentaire. Ça me plaît beaucoup.

      Bon dimnche á toi aussi.

      Comment by Sartenada — February 24, 2013 @ 12:52 | Reply

  18. Very artistic. A celebration of life and faith. Thanks for sharing your amazing travels and adventures.

    Comment by Island Traveler — March 12, 2013 @ 09:59 | Reply

    • Hi Island traveler.

      Thank You Sir for Your kind comment.

      Happy Tuesday!

      Comment by Sartenada — March 12, 2013 @ 15:55 | Reply


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