Finnish Paganism - Christianisation

Christianisation

Christian missionaries entered Finland in the 11th century. The native pagan religion still persisted, until Christianity was strengthened under Swedish influence in the 12th century. In the 13th century a "crusade" was launched against the last pagans in the country by Birger Jarl. However, old traditions were only slowly rooted out and elements of it long persisted along new faith. Particularly, cult of Ukko remained popular: there are records from 17th century of peasants holding festives to honour Ukko, and in some places these traditions may have persisted until 19th century.