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THE HOME OF THE NATIONAL POET J.L. RUNEBERG
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This large, yellow-painted wooden house in the part of Porvoo where
architecture in the so-called Empire variant of Neoclassical dominates
was the home of the poet J.L. Runeberg - who composed the words of the
Finnish national anthem - and his family for a quarter of a century. The
house and its surroundings give an interesting picture of housing and
life in the mid-19th century. It is Finland's oldest home museum, opened
to the public in 1882.
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Finland's national poet
Many of the epic and lyrical poems of Johan Ludvig Runeberg (1804-77) describe
the people and nature of Finland. The first part of one of his best-known
works, the collection of poems Tales of Ensign Stĺl, was published in 1848.
It describes events in the war of 1808-09, when Finland was wrested from
Swedish rule and incorporated into the Russian Empire. He wrote in Swedish,
his mother tongue, but his poems were translated into several languages
at a very early stage. Some of his love poems were set to music by Jean
Sibelius. |
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Fredrika Runeberg
The poet's wife and mother of six sons was Fredrika Runeberg (1807-79),
who is regarded as Finland's first woman journalist. Her literary output
included two historical novels. She played a part in founding a school for
girls lacking financial means, which opened in Porvoo in 1846, many years
before national schools were introduced in Finland. |
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Runeberg Day in Porvoo
Runeberg attained the status of national poet already during his own lifetime
and his birthday, 5 February, was widely celebrated in Finland. On that
cold and gloomy winter day, the anniversary of the poet is still commemorated
in Porvoo. A torchlight parade and illuminated windows are features of the
traditional celebrations. In honour of the day, traditional "Runeberg Tarts",
round gateaux with jam and sugar icing on top, are served in cafés. |
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Contact us
The Porvoo Museum has curatorial responsibility for the Runeberg home and
will be pleased to answer enquiries concerning it, tel +358 19 574 7500
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