Religious landscape in the cross-border region of Tornio River Valley

Ruotsala, Helena (2011) Religious landscape in the cross-border region of Tornio River Valley. Acta Ethnographica Hungarica, 56 (1). pp. 139-147. ISSN 1216-9803

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Abstract

The aim of my paper is to discuss the cross-border region of the Tornio River Valley between Finland and Sweden as a religious landscape. The present state border between the two countries was defined in1809, at a time when the border was not between Finland and Sweden, but between Sweden and Russia, and it dramatically severed the Finnish-speaking area in the river valley. First I will discuss the shared religious heritage in this area, the Laestadian Movement. Then I shall discuss the position of the Orthodox religion focusing on the Orthodox Church in Tornio (Finland). The church was built after Finland became part of the Russian Empire. In conclusion I shall focus on the role of religion/church in contemporary life in the cross-border area. Or, how the church is taking into account the profound changes in this cross-border area? Before I turn to my cases, I shall present a brief historical account of this area, because the contemporary situation must be seen in the light of historical and political change. This article is part of my research project in which I am focusing on everyday transnationalism, as experienced by town dwellers.

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