The story of Tonttus:
Santa’s helpers, elf or brownies are called tonttu in Finnish. The legend of the story goes that Tonttus live at Mt. Korvatunturi located in Lapland, the northern part of Finland. Tontus help Santa Claus make presents for good girls and boys. Tontus live in farms and are named after the places they are assigned to take care of: Stable Tonttus, cow shed Tonttus, Sauna Tonttus etc. The tonttus who ventured out to the cities are called Home Tonttus. They also take care of animals and speak their languages. Around Christmas you should put a bowl of rice porridge with milk out for them if you want to give them a present. If you forget, they’ll play tricks on you. It has happened to me: one time I forgot and my tools disappeared and my fingers got glued together and couldn’t do my arts. After cutting the tonttu boys pants, I realized that one leg was shorter than the other!
I have designed and hand-made my one-of the kind tonttu girls and boys. The work process includes 45 individual stages. Each tonttu is signed, dated and given a “name day”, a Finnish tradition. For example I celebrate my name day with Pirkko, Birgitta and Piritta.
Tonttus can be on display throughout the year. Although they are made for decoration. Gentle play by responsible children is very much appreciated.
Merry Christmas, hyvää joulua!
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