Reviving Finland’s Reindeer: A Story of Folklore, Songs, and Hope
In the remote Finnish town of Ilomantsi, nestled just 12 miles from the Russian border, resides a woman whose voice carries the echoes of a bygone era. Liisa Matveinen, a Finnish folk musician, lives in a mustard-colored house adorned with large books of folk songs that line her walls. Her songs paint a vivid picture of a humble hunter venturing into the woods in search of reindeer, animals once revered as providers of sustenance, clothing, and a sense of belonging.
A Journey Back in Time
Matveinen’s melodic tunes transport her listeners to a world steeped in tradition, where hunting and fishing in the lush Finnish and Russian region of Karelia were a way of life. Raised in this cultural melting pot, Matveinen’s repertoire reflects the integral role wild reindeer played in the folklore and heritage of her homeland.
A Lost Connection
Sadly, the haunting melodies that once echoed through the Karelian forests are fading into obscurity, much like the majestic reindeer that once roamed freely. The last wild forest reindeer met its demise in 1919, leaving behind only relics like its horns displayed in a local restaurant near Matveinen’s abode.
A Beacon of Hope
Amidst the melancholy of lost traditions and vanished wildlife, a glimmer of hope shines through the shadows. Plans are underway to reintroduce wild reindeer to their native habitat, with the first release slated for 2028 in the restored peatlands of Ilomantsi. The goal is to establish a thriving herd of 300 reindeer, symbolizing a resurgence of the region’s ecological balance.
As the scouting animals, known as “ghost reindeer,” tentatively explore their potential new home, the landscape holds promise of a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife once again. This rewilding project goes beyond mere conservation efforts; it embodies a holistic approach known as “deep mapping,” aimed at revitalizing the cultural and folklore ties that bind communities to their natural surroundings.
In the words of Tero Mustonen, the visionary behind this initiative, “We are the guardians of the reindeer, and they are the symbol of the boreal forest.” Mustonen’s dedication to preserving not just the reindeer but also the intricate web of traditions and knowledge they represent underscores the profound impact of this endeavor.
Through the lens of folklore, songs, and rewilding efforts, Finland’s reindeer are poised to make a triumphant return, bridging the gap between past, present, and future generations. The haunting melodies of Karelia’s past may soon echo once more through the whispering pines, heralding a new dawn of hope and harmony in the Finnish wilderness.