Rye Harvesting in Karjala
At the turn of the 20th century, rye harvesting, or rukiinleikkuuta, was a crucial and labour-intensive activity in Karelia, a region straddling present-day Finland and Russia. Entire communities, including men, women, and children, participated in cutting rye with sickles and gathering the stalks into sheaves. This collective effort was essential for ensuring a sufficient food supply and was marked by a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Despite the challenges posed by weather and the physically demanding nature of the work, the harvest season ended with communal gatherings to celebrate the completion of the harvest.
Original Photograph
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Restored Photograph
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Photo Information
Original photo courtesy of the Finnish Heritage Agency
Photographer: Unknown
Year: 1890-1910
Link to original photo here
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