Over one million Finns celebrate Karelian heritage and share stories of evacuee descendants

Over one million Finns have roots in Karelia. This month marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union, with many evacuees returning to their homes around this time in 1943, though those from ceded areas could not. More than 400,000 individuals were evacuated from the Karelia region, including a small minority of around 40,000 Karelian-speaking Orthodox individuals from the border villages. Today, many descendants of these evacuees are increasingly interested in the Karelian language.

A significant majority of the evacuees spoke Finnish Karelian dialects and belonged to the Lutheran faith. They were dispersed across Finland after fleeing their homes, with many descendants expressing a sense of silence surrounding their history. The article shares the stories of three descendants of evacuees.

Hanna Ojala, a theater director from Helsinki, embodies the Karelian legacy through her work. She draws inspiration from her family history, particularly her grandfather Pentti Rupponen, who faced significant challenges after the war and multiple evacuations. Despite their struggles, the Rupponen family emphasized education, leading all five children to become graduates.

In Oulainen, Esko Suutari recalls his experiences as an 11-year-old orphan during the war. He navigated loneliness and hardship but displayed resilience that ultimately led him to become a successful teacher, never feeling bitterness toward his past.

Sanna Taikina, a Helsinki resident, reflects on her family’s evacuation from near Viipuri to Lahti. She feels a disconnect between her Karelian heritage and the broader society, encountering prejudice and cultural barriers. Despite this, she is determined to embrace her Karelian identity and explore the nuances of her heritage.

Overall, the stories highlight both the challenges and the enduring spirit of those affected by the evacuations during and after the war.