Karsikko board from Simola

A ‘karsikko’ was a conifer tree that was pruned to commemorate a significant event. The top of the tree was left untouched. For example, initials and the year were cut into the side of the tree. On the way to the graveyard, a karsikko tree could be made in honour of the deceased. According to a story, people also used these trees to stop the deceased from coming back to haunt them. Later on, people started using separate karsikko boards nailed onto trees. A board could also be attached to the exterior wall of the deceased’s house. The name or initials of the deceased as well as the date of birth and death were cut into the board.

This karsikko board is from Simola in the Lempyy region of Suonenjoki. It says “Marija-Liisaa Nöökelm, aged 54 YEA”. An overhang has been added to the board to protect the text from sunlight and rain.

K11949. Photo: Markku Haverinen, 2012.