Pre-modern games in a modern world: A case of public festivals as rational recreation in 19th century Finland

Authors

• Lauri Keskinen Turun yliopisto

Abstract

Modern sport is often seen as a record-chase and something to be regarded with profound seriousness. Thus it differs significantly from pre-modern games that were accompanied by laughter, merriment, (religious) rituals and carnivalism. This study focuses on 19th century Finnish public festivals that aimed to educate the lower social classes by incorporating play and games. It was revealed that laughter and merriment could be used in a highly modern way as an instrument for furthering political agendas.