The International Association of Amateur Heralds

As mentioned in the Thread on Swedish Heraldry the Landskap (Fi. Maisema) of Finland also had Arms created during the Swedish time (up until 1809). Pictures form Wikimedia Commons:


Häme (Sw.Tavastland).


Karjala (Sw. Karelen). The Arms symbolises the long struggle between Sweden and Russia over this Area. During Finland's time as a Grand Duchy under th Russian Czar the Arms whre slightly modified the Western Sword and Eastern Sabre was replaced by Arrrows and both Arms where clad in Chain-mail. Thus making the reference to the struggle against Russia standing out less.

I like the arms of Tavastia - but I'm very partial to lynx

... but I'm very partial to lynx

Roasted or fried? I jest. I should never want to see a lynx killed. Saw one once on a wintry night in Sweden. I was in the lounge of my (future) mother-in-law's house and a lynx stopped outside the window and looked at me. Unforgettable moment (for me at least, don't suppose the lynx was very impressed!).

Chris Green wrote:Roasted or fried? I jest. I should never want to see a lynx killed. Saw one once on a wintry night in Sweden. I was in the lounge of my (future) mother-in-law's house and a lynx stopped outside the window and looked at me. Unforgettable moment (for me at least, don't suppose the lynx was very impressed!).

Wonderful! I use a lynx as my crest (her name in Chama)

Although, in Sweden you likly saw a Eurasian lynx (L.lynx), whereas Chama is a Bobcat (L.rufus).

Pohjanmaa (Sw. Österbotten, Eng Ostrobothnia). The oldest arms of Ostrobothnia from 1562 only showed one Marten trippant reguardant. Probably symbolising the Fur trade of the Area.


Savo (Sw.Savolax, Eng. Savonia). The oldest depiction from 1562 of the Savonia Arms showed the bow on a field Azure. The Bow probaly symbolises the fights against Russians in these frontier Area.

Arms of Åland. See also Öland in the Swedish Territorial Arms Thread.


Arms of Lappi (Sw. Lappland), The Savage probably symbolises the wilderness of this northern Area.


Arms of Satakunta (Sw. Satakunda).

The final two Finnish Provincial Arms:


Arms of Uusimaa (Sw. Nyland).


Arms of Varsinais-Suomi (Sw. Egentliga Finland), this part of Finland is said to be the first one where Swedish colonists first settled.

These historical Provinces have in recent times been divided into smaller regions, some continue to use the old Provicial Arms where appropriate other have gotten new Arms.


Central Finland (Fi Keski Suomi Sw Mellersta Finland).


Central Ostrobothnia (Fi. Keski Pohjanmaa Sw Mellersta Österbotten).

Costal Ostrobothnia (Fi Rannikko Pojhanmaa Sw. Kust Österbotten).


South Ostrobothnia (Fi Etelä Pohjanmaa Sw Södra Österbotten).


North Ostrobothnia (Fi Pohjois Pohjanmaa, Sw Norra Österbotten). Uses the Historical Ostrobothnia Arms.

Arms of Lappi (Sw. Lappland), The Savage probably symbolises the wilderness of this northern Area.

It would be interesting to know why the heraldic artist chose to depict what we would blazon in English as a savage man wreathed about the loins and temple. Perhaps the Finnish blazon requires it. But I would have thought that a man clad in furs would have been more suitable (Autumn comes early in Lappland!).

Arms of Varsinais-Suomi (Sw. Egentliga Finland), this part of Finland is said to be the first one where Swedish colonists first settled.

Note the Swedish pennons on the jousting spears.