Edith Irene Södergran was a Swedish-speaking Finnish poet. One of the first modernists within Swedish-language literature, her influences came from French Symbolism, German expressionism, and Russian futurism. At the age of 24 she released her first collection of poetry entitled Dikter ("Poems"). Södergran died at the age of 31, having contracted tuberculosis as a teenager. She did not live to experience the worldwide appreciation of her poetry, which has influenced many lyrical poets. Södergran is considered to have been one of the greatest modern Swedish-language poets, and her work continues to influence Swedish-language poetry and musical lyrics, for example, in the works of Mare Kandre, Gunnar Harding, Eva Runefelt, Heidi Sundblad-Halme, and Eva Dahlgren.
Edith Södergran in 1917
Edith Södergran, self-portrait.
Edith Södergran, 5 years old.
Edith Södergran childhood home at Raivola.
Swedish-speaking population of Finland
The Swedish-speaking population of Finland is a linguistic minority in Finland. They maintain a strong identity and are seen either as a separate cultural or linguistic group or, while not regularly, as a distinct nationality. They speak Finland Swedish, which encompasses both a standard language and distinct dialects that are mutually intelligible with the dialects spoken in Sweden and, to a lesser extent, other Scandinavian languages.
The number of Swedish speakers in Finland 1880–2009 by province. The population in Vaasa province declined in the early 20th century due to emigration to North America and again in the 1960s due to emigration to Sweden.
Envelope stamp (not postage) issued by the Swedish People's party in 1922.
Finnish 17th century nobleman Gustaf Horn
Finnish 17th century clergyman Johannes Gezelius the elder