Jämtland 190814 224969410 2008-07-11T06:34:50Z CanisRufus 91310 dab: Icelandic {{Infobox Landskap |fullname=Jämtland |name=Jämtland |land=[[Norrland]] |county=[[Jämtland County]] |dialects=[[Jamtlandic|Jamtish]] (''Jamska'') |area=34,009 |flower=[[Orchid]]<br>(''[[Gymnadenia nigra]]'') |flower_swe=Brunkulla |flower_lat=Gymnadenia Nigra |animal=[[Moose|Elk]] |bird=Hawk owl |fish=Salmon trout |duke=[[Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden|Crown Prince Carl Gustaf]] (1946-73) |coatofarms=[[Image:Jämtland vapen.svg|Coat of Arms|100px]] |map=[[Image:FC-Jämtland, Sweden.png|Map]] }} [[Image:Ostra Aradalen1 Sweden.jpg|thumb|350px|Traditional summer houses, ''buvåll'' "critter house" in Jämtland. 'Bu' is [[cognate]] to the English word "booth" and 'våll' to "[[weald]]"]] '''{{Audio|sv-Jämtland.ogg|Jämtland}}''', or '''Jamtland''' ({{IPA2|ˈjamtˌlanː}}, in [[Jamtlandic|Jamtish]]), is a historical [[Provinces of Sweden|province]] or ''[[landskap]]'' in the center of [[Sweden]] in [[northern Europe]]. It borders to [[Härjedalen]] and [[Medelpad]] in the south, [[Ångermanland]] in the east, [[Lapland, Sweden|Lapland]] in the north and [[Trøndelag]] and [[Norway]] in the west. Jämtland covers an area of 34 009 [[square kilometre]]s, 8.3 [[per cent]] of Sweden's total area and is the second largest province in Sweden. It has a population of {{nowrap|113 000}} and the majority is living in [[Storsjöbygden]], the area surrounding lake [[Storsjön]]. [[Östersund]] is the largest and only city in the province. Jämtland was originally an autonomous [[peasant]] [[republic]]<ref name=republic>Ekerwald, Carl-Göran (2004). ''Jämtarnas historia'' (in Swedish), 124. "Svaret är att Jämtland före 1178 var ett självständigt bondesamfund, "dei vart verande ein nasjon för seg sjöl", för att nu citera [[Halvdan Koht|Halfdan Koht]].. Jämtland var en bonderepublik.." </ref>, its own [[nation]]<ref name= republic/> with its own [[law]], [[currency]] and [[parliament]]. However, Jämtland lacked a [[public administration]] and is thus best regarded as an [[anarchy]]<ref>Oscarsson, Bo (1986). "1000 år av frihet", in Margareta Persson: ''Dä glöm fell int jamska'' (in Swedish). Offerdal: Margareta Persson, 24.</ref>, in its true meaning. Jämtland was conquered by [[Norway]] in 1178 and stayed Norwegian for over 450 years until it was ceded to Sweden in 1645. The province has since been Swedish for roughly 350 years, though the population did not gain Swedish citizenship until 1699. The province's identity is manifested with the concept of a republic within the kingdom of Sweden, though this is only done semi-seriously. [[Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden|Carl XVI Gustaf]] became the ''[[Dukes of Swedish provinces|Duke of Jämtland]]'' after his christening, a nominal title he still retains<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalcourt.se/kungafamiljen/hmkonungcarlxvigustaf/tal/arkivhmktal20052009/hmkonungenstalvidinvigningenavalpineworldskichampionshipsiare2februari2007.5.1a3366210de661ad20800051907.html |title=H.M. Konungens tal vid invigningen av Alpine World Ski Championships i Åre |accessdate=2008-07-07 |publisher=Royal court of Sweden |date=2 February 2007 |quote=Som hängiven skidåkare och Hertig av Jämtland vet jag hur mycket tid, arbete, omsorg och pengar som lagts ned på att få dessa världsmästerskap att bli bra. }}</ref>, even though he now is the [[Monarchy of Sweden|King of Sweden]]. [[History|Historically]], [[Socialisation|socially]] and [[politic]]ally Jämtland's been a special territory between Norway and Sweden. This in itself is symbolized in the province's coat of arm where Jämtland, the silver moose, is threatened from the east and from the west. During the unrest period in Jämtland's history (1563-1677) it shifted alignment between the two states no less than 13 times. During history Jämtland has been linked to the land west and east of itself, which has been in complete contrast to the competitive Dano-Norwegian and Swedish state's interest. These historical and cultural bonds to Trøndelag and Härjedalen have expressed themselves in the name [[Øst-Trøndelag]], in addition to the fact that the Jamts historically never considered themselves to be [[Norrland]]ers.<ref>Ekerwald, Carl-Göran (2004). ''Jämtarnas historia'', 56.</ref> ==Etymology== {{Main article|Etymology of Jämtland}} [[Image:Frösöstenen.jpg|thumb|Frösö Runestone]] Jämtland has gotten its name from its inhabitants - the Jamts<ref name=etymology>{{cite book |last=Hellquist |first=Elof |title=Svensk etymologisk ordbok |year=1922 |publisher=Gleerups förlag |location=Stockholm |pages=285}}</ref>. The name can be traced back to Europe's northernmost [[runestone]], the [[Frösö Runestone]] from the 11th century, where it's found as ''eotalont'' (normalized [[Old Norse]]: ''Jamtaland''). The [[Root (linguistics)|root]] of Jamt ([[Old West Norse]]: ''jamti''), and thus Jämtland, derives from the [[Proto-Germanic]] [[word stem]] ''emat-'' meaning persistent, efficient, enduring and hardworking<ref name=etymology/>. The [[Proto-Norse]] [[prefix]] ''eota'' (''jamta'') is a [[genitive]] [[plural]] case. [[Image:Olav den helliges saga - Torodd Arnljott Geline - H. Egedius - H. Egedius.jpg|thumb|left|Jämtland does not mean "the even country" but rather "Jamts' land". In this picture the [[viking]] [[Arnljot Gelline]] from Jämtland is seen in motion throughout the landscape.]] It is not known how the Jamts got their name. Though one possible explanation is presented in the [[Iceland]]ic work [[Heimskringla]] from the 13th century. In a [[saga]] [[Snorri Sturluson]] narrates about [[Kettil Jamti]], a son of [[Anund]] [[Jarl]] from [[Sparbu]] in Trøndelag who fled from Norway when [[Harald I of Norway|Harald Fairhair]] with brute force united the country in the 9th century. His descendants then came to bear his [[Family name|name]]. An alternative explanation comes from the excessive iron production that took place in the province before the [[viking age]]. A [[folk etymology|folk etymological]] theory is that the name ought to have something to do with the even parts around the [[lake]] [[Storsjön]]. This theory is based on the similarity between the Swedish words ''jämt'' (from ''emat-'') and ''jämnt'' (from Germanic ''*ebna'', "even")<ref name=etymology/>. The name Jämtland with an [[ä]] is a 20th century Swedish alternation of the older spelling Jemtland (both pronounced {{IPA|[ˈjɛmtˌlanː]}} or {{IPA|[ˈjɛmtˌland]}}, depending on the speaker). Localities settled by Jamtish emigrants such as [[Jemtland, Ringsaker|Jemtland]] in [[Ringsaker]], Norway and [[Jemtland, Maine|Jemtland]] in [[Maine]], [[USA]] were founded before the alternation occurred. In the nearby Norwegian province of Trøndelag old settlements such as [[Jamtøya]], [[Jamtgarden]] and [[Jamtåsen]] all use the prefix ''Jamt-'', just like the regional name, however the [[Trøndersk]] name for Jämtland is ''Jamtlainn''<ref name="verdal">{{cite web |url=http://www.verdal.historielag.org/gatenavn/gatenavn_verdal_j.htm |title=Jamtlandsvegen |accessdate=2008-06-27 |publisher=Verdal Historielag |language=Norwegian }}</ref>, whilst the Jamtish name is ''Jamtland''. As the d is silent the form ''Jamtlann'' is also common. The most genuine Jamtish pronouncuation of the name is however the now uncommon form ''Jamplann'' {{IPA|[ˈjampˌlanː]}}, deriving from older names such as ''Jamptaland'', found in ancient documents. The regional name ''Jamtland'' has only status as an official form in [[Nynorsk]]<ref name="verdal"/> and [[Icelandic language|Icelandic]]<ref>Oscarsson, Bo (1986). "1000 år av frihet", in Margareta Persson: ''Dä glöm fell int jamska'' (in Swedish). Offerdal: Margareta Persson, 20.</ref> , but is popularly used among locals which is one of the reasons as to why the regional museum was given the dialectal name [[Jamtli]] (Swedish ''jämtsk backsluttning''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jamtli.com/3888.jamtlis_historia.html |title=Jamtlis historia |accessdate=2008-06-27 |work= |publisher=Jamtli |language=Swedish }}</ref>), "Jamtish hillside". ==History== {{Main|History of Jämtland}} ===Prehistory=== [[Image:Elanden van Glosa 20juli2005.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Petroglyphs in [[Glösa]], made approximately 5 000 years ago. These carvings consist primely of moose and several [[organ (anatomy)|organ]]s have been painted out. These petroglyphs are very similar to the ones found in for example [[Moelv]] in Trøndelag and also resemble the [[cave art]] in [[Altamira]], northern [[Spain]]. One carved moose from Glösa exist in [[Krokom Municipality|Krokom's]] [[Coat of arms|CoA]].]] Some finds from the time before humans have been discovered in Jämtland, most notably the remains from a [[woolly mammoth]] in [[Pilgrimstad]]. The first humans came to Jämtland from the west across [[Scandinavian Mountains|the Keel]] approximately 7 000-6 000 [[Before Christ|BC]], after the [[last ice age]]. The climate was at the time much warmer than today and trees such as [[oak]] were growing at the top of today's mountains. The first humans were [[Hunter-gatherer|hunters and gatherers]]. Several thousand [[archaeological]] remains have been located in the province, predominately near old camp-sites, beaches and lakes. The oldest settlement found is located at [[Foskvattnet]], not far way from the so called [[Fosna-Hensbacka culture|Fosna culture]], this settlement has been dated to 6 600 BC. The hunter-gatherers were [[nomad]]s and constantly followed their [[prey]]'s movement. In Jämtland the moose was the dominant prey, which is clearly shown on [[petroglyph]]s and rock paintings. Jämtland has over 20 000 documented [[ancient monument]]s, the oldest one being an [[arrowhead]] found in Åflo near [[Kaxås]] in [[Offerdal]] parish possibly older than 8 000 year, which would make it one of the oldest stone age finds in all of Sweden. Rock paintings found in Jämtland often collocates with various [[trapping pit]]s and well over 10 000 pits used for hunting have been located, which is much more than any other Scandinavian region. Trapping or hunting pits were placed in areas in close proximity of the hunted animal in question, usually in known places where the animals moved. Because of this there are several places where pits have been dug separately in lines stretching on for miles throughout the landscape. Even today there are several [[place name]]s in Jämtland that display the significance these pits had to the tribes. {|style="border="0"; height="230" align="center" valign="bottom" cellpadding=10px cellspacing=0px |-align="center" valign="top" |[[Image:Fångstgrop Hoting 070715.JPG|500x130px|none]] |[[Image:Fångsjön hällmålning älg 010423.JPG|500x130px|none]] |[[Image:Fangsjon.jpg|500x130px|none]] |[[Image:Skorbrant, Stromsund, 15 juni 2005.JPG|500x130px|none]] |-align="center" valign="top" |width="100"|Trapping pit |width="100"|A moose painted with [[red ochre]] near [[Fångsjön]] |width="100"|Fångsjön rock art site, dated to 2500-2000 before Chris |width="100"|Burned rocks in northern Jämtland |} A Jamtish [[neolithic]] culture emerged during late [[Roman Iron Age]] in [[Storsjöbygden]], though the hunter-gatherers had come in contact with this lifestyle long before they settled down themselves. Though since the hunts were rich and successful in Jämtland it took a long time before a change occurred. The [[neolithic revolution]] happened quickly once initiated since the [[Trønder]]s had been farmers for a long time and some of the Jamts had already begun [[herding]]. The Jamtish farmers grew first and foremost [[barley]], though [[palynological]] study bear witness of e.g. [[hemp]]. At the end of the 4th century a [[fortress]], [[Mjälleborgen]], was established on Frösön in order to control the excessive iron production and [[trade]] that took place. At the same time [[Kurgan]]s starts appearing in the Jamtish landscape, just like in [[Bertnem]] in Trøndelag and [[Högom]] in Medelpad. The western influence from Trøndelag through Jämtland to Norrland was at the time extensive. [[Image:Frösön.JPG|thumb|Frösön during winter, this island was the regional centre of Jämtland for ages. It is named after [[Freyr]], the Norse god of [[fecundity]] and [[love]].]] The expansion of settlement was somewhat halted in the 7th century and Mjälleborgen was abandoned in the 8th century. A [[migration]] among the people occurred at the same time and the people concentrated themselves around Storsjön with villages such as [[Frösön]], [[Brunflo]], [[Rödön]], [[Hackås]], [[Lockne]] and [[Näs (village)|Näs]] being larger communities. Storsjöbygden became an [[oasis]] in the middle of the Scandinavian inland, surrounded by dense forest. [[Horse]]s were the only reliable mean of communications and a necessity. During the [[viking age]] the settlement in the province grew. This may be seen as a confirmation to the sagas written by [[Snorri Sturluson]], where he narrates about the vikings who fled from Harald Fairhair and Norway and took residence in Jämtland, just like many Norwegians at the same time fled and colonized Iceland. When a [[climate change]] (which later resulted in the [[Medieval Warm Period]]) took place Frösön acquired the position as regional centre. The warmer climate made the [[agriculture]] flourish, the stock-raising and the special inland Scandinavian [[herding]] or "livestock drifting", ''buföring'', was developed further. This is especially true for the southern parts of Jämtland when the so called "[[fell]] cow" was introduced. The hunt for moose and other wild animals increased during this period. [[Religion|Religiously]] the Jamts had abandoned the [[Norse paganism|indigenous Germanic tribal religion]] in favour of the Norse faith. Among the worshiped [[god]]s in [[Norse mythology]] Jämtland was dominated by the older [[Vanir]] gods ([[Freyr]], [[Njord]], [[Ullr]] etc.). Though the [[Æsir]]s were also worshipped. As the population continued to grew the Jamts established an [[Thing (assembly)|assembly]], just like other Germanic tribes. [[Jamtamót]] came into existence shortly after the world's oldest parliament, the Icelandic [[Althing]], was instituted in 930 BC. Jamtamót is unique in Scandinavia since it's the only one referred to as ''mót'' (a [[Gothic language|Gothic]] word) instead of ''þing'', even though they have the same meaning. ===Medieval period=== At the beginning of the [[medieval period]] Jämtland's political status is best described as a peasant republic. At Jamtamót disputes were solved and criminals received sentences. The assembly also functioned as some sort of [[government]] since it also decided on matters such as [[taxation]]. However Jämtland was more of anarchy due to the lack of a central government administration. All free men were allowed to participate and the most [[prominent]] ones from each family, e.g. [[chieftain]]s deliberated and discussed certain topics among themselves concerning the country. Important questions and issues were however always solved after an assemblage. [[Image:Seal of Jamtland.png|thumb|200px|[[Magnus VI of Norway|Magnus Håkonsson]] (the law-mender) gave Jämtland its first known [[Seal (device)|seal]] 1274. [[Coat of arms of Norway|The Norwegian Lion]] has an [[Olaf II of Norway|Olav-axe]] and the shield is cronwless, which indicates that it's a "realm seal"<ref>Ekerwald, Carl-Göran (2004). ''Jämtarnas historia'', 163.</ref> and not a province dito, besides Jämtland, only the [[Orkney]]s received this type of seal.]] [[Image:Mattmar kyrka.jpg|thumb|left|Medieval church in [[Mattmar]]]] Jämtland was [[Christianization of Scandinavia|Christianized]] in the middle of the 11th century when the [[Frösö Runestone]] was risen (the only one in the world that tells about the christening of a country), shortly after [[Olaf II of Norway]] died in the [[Battle of Stiklestad]] just west of Jämtland. After this process Jämtland turned into a Christian country and the first church, [[Västerhus chapel]] was built shortly after the rune stone was raised. According to Sturluson's Sagas the Jamts sometimes paid taxes to Norwegian kings such as [[Haakon I of Norway|Håkon Adalsteinsfostre]] and [[Eystein I of Norway|Øystein Magnusson]] for protection. The Sagas also mentions that the Jamts at one occasion also paid taxes to a king in [[Svealand]]. Though the Sagas reliability on the matter has been defined as low<ref>Ekerwald, Carl-Göran (2004). ''Jämtarnas historia'', 123.</ref>. In the oldest written source for Norway, ''[[Historia Norwegiæ]]'', it's however clearly stated that Norway borders in the north-east to Jämtland. During the [[civil war era in Norway]] Jämtland was defeated by king [[Sverre of Norway]] after losing the [[Battle at the ice of Storsjön]]. This was the last war fought by the Jamts under their own elected leaders. The consequences of this defeat was less [[autonomy]]. Though Jämtland never became a fully integrated part of Norway and had the same status in the Norwegian Empire as the Atlantic isles like [[Shetland]] and [[Orkney]], even though Jämtland was connected by land with the rest of Norway. This is clearly shown when [[Haakon V of Norway]] refers to Jämtland as his "eastern realm — ''öystræ rikinu''". ===Turbulent times=== [[Image:Iempihia, Carta Marina.jpg|thumb|200px|A detail from [[Olaus Magnus]] ''[[Carta Marina]]'' (1539). Jämtland is [[Latinisation (literature)|Latinized]] as "Iempihia".]] After Norway was forced into a [[personal union]] with [[Denmark]] ([[Denmark-Norway]]) in 1536 Jämtland came to be governed from [[Copenhagen]]. Sweden's separation from the [[Kalmar Union]] transferred Jämtland from a central Scandinavian region into a border region between two aggressive states. Just like [[Gotland]] Jämtland politically belonged to Denmark-Norway and religiously to Sweden. When the [[reformation]] ([[Catholicism]] survived in some places into the 17th century) was forced upon the population when the kings took control of the church Jämtland had two kings above itself. This eventually led to conflict, first in 1563 during the [[Nordic Seven Years' War]] (after which Jämtland was put under the [[diocese of Nidaros]]), then in 1611 during the [[Kalmar War]] when villages were burned to the ground and plundered, churches were destroyed and the population was assaulted. After this incident the Jamts were severely punished by the Danish king, who confiscated much land from the Jamts for having sworn the Swedish king an [[oath of allegiance]], incidentally before the misconducts started. These conflicts continued, Jämtland was occupied yet again in 1644 during the [[Hannibal War]], though the Swedes were quickly driven out by Norwegians and locals. Sweden did however win that war in the south and received Jämtland as a part of the [[Treaty of Brömsebro]] in 1645. [[Image:Jemtland.png|300px|thumb|left|Jämtland - the land in between (''mitt emellom''), there are only a few kilometers to the [[Bothnian Sea]] as well as to the [[Norwegian Sea]], which has led to Jämtland often being occupied. This map from 1905 consist of the then [[Jämtland County]] (Jämtland and [[Härjedalen]]), the older spelling with an ''e'' is used. ]] After this Denmark-Norway tried to regain the province, first in 1657 ([[Dano-Swedish War (1657-1658)|Dano Swedish war of 1657]]) where the Norwegians were hailed as liberators. Then for a longer period in 1677 with the ''[[conquest of Jemtland]]''. The Jamts conducted [[snapphane]] activities towards the Swedish army and during this time a Jamt from [[Lockne]], the first known Jamtish poet, wrote a scurrilous song that was sung throughout the province during the war. The last segment of the song was the most derisive one (direct English translation to the right): {| width="60%" |----- valign="top" | :''Vii hafva nu lefft uti 30 åhrs tijdh'' :''allt under Sveriges chrona'' :''uti strijdh och tyrani ingen persohn att skona.'' :''Tiig vari priss o Gudh, vår vän,'' :''som gaf oss danske kungen igen'' :''med gledie.'' | ''We have now lived for 30 years time''<br> ''certainly under the Swedish crown''<br> ''through battle and tyranny no person to spare''<br> ''You be praised oh God, our friend''<br> ''who gave us the Danish king again''<br> ''with joy.'' |} The conquest failed and Jämtland was once again in Swedish hands, a Swedification process begun. The [[Diocese of Härnösand]] was instituted at the Swedish coast, schools were established (to direct the Jamts away from Trondheim) etc. though the population didn't receive Swedish citizenship until 1699, the Jamts were thus the last people from an acquired territory in Sweden to become Swedish. The Jamtish people maintained some [[self-governance]]. The Jamtamót had been transformed into a Danish [[landsting]] in the early 16th century. Even though it was banned in the end of the very same century it continued to be held by the people, in secret. After the transition to Sweden some parts were transmitted into a Swedish ''landsjämnadsting''. [[Image:Döda fallet 20061014.jpg|thumb|The dead waterfall in autumn.]] Sweden's intentions in the province were first and foremost focused on defense, which led to an enormous burden for the Jamtish farmers to bear. The Jamts managed to enforce a treaty in 1688 which stated that Jamts were under no circumstances obligated to defend anything but their own province. This treaty was eventually broken by king [[Charles XII of Sweden|Charles XII]] and Jamts participated in [[Carl Gustaf Armfeldt]]'s Norwegian campaign during the [[Great Northern War]]. The campaign was unsuccessful and when Charles XII died in southern Norway Armfeldt marched back to Jämtland. On [[New Year's Eve]] 1718 a massive [[blizzard]] arose and over 3 000 [[Caroleans]] succumbed in Jämtland's mountains mostly due to poor clothing. The time that followed "the [[Age of Liberty]]" brought changes to the province's agriculture, with significances such as the [[potato]] and better [[granary|granaries]] through national politics. The [[standard of living]] was greatly improved during this period. However the visions and ideas behind the improvements also led to one of the greatest natural disaster in Scandinavia when the lake [[Ragundasjön]] was drained and the great rapid Gedungsen was silent, creating [[Döda Fallet|the dead waterfall]]. It was the result of a project that sought to evade the obstacle this waterfall was for [[timber]] transportation on [[Indalsälven]]. ===Modern period=== [[Image:Vy över Östersund från Gustavsbergsbacken på Frösön.jpg|thumb|[[Östersund]], the winter city]] In order to end the free trade conducted by "faring-men" or "faring-farmers" (''fælmännan'' or ''fælbönnran'' in dialect) Jämtland's first and only city, [[Östersund]], was founded by [[Gustaf III]] 1786, though plans had existed since the province was seceded. It took almost one hundred years after this before the province began industrializing when the rail road [[Mittbanan]]-[[Meråkerbanen]] was established between [[Sundsvall]], Östersund and Trondheim. This evolved the [[logging]] process and also led to more people migrating to Jämtland, not to mention all the tourists who came for the "fresh air". As a side effect the rail road also meant the end of the faring traditions. After the unsuccessful (or successful, depending on the viewer) channelling of Gedungsen Jämtland's rich forests could be used in [[sawmill]]s along the coast. A great deal of the forest was sold to large corporations since for the first time in history the farmers could earn money from their forests. [[Image:Strömsund30-tal.jpg|thumb|left|The town [[Strömsund]] in northern Jämtland in the [[1930s]].]] In the late 19th century the province was struck by [[popular movement]]s. In Jämtland the "[[Liberalism|free minded]]" [[International Organisation of Good Templars|Good Templar movement]] (a part of the [[temperance movement]]) came to dominate completely, in fact, the movement drew its strongest support (in relation to the population) in Jämtland in the entire world, and it was also here, in Östersund, that the world's largest order house was built. Jämtland failed to industrialize, mostly due to the residents opposition to industries, which were seen as the destroyers of society. Keeping Jämtland as a clean environment, but also making it a region of [[raw material]] extraction. Due to the rail road the city of Östersund quickly grew with settlers arriving from the countryside and southern Sweden, giving it the true character of a city, rather than a mere village with city status. The rise of Östersund brought a more excessive trade than before, [[handicraft]]s etc. Just like in the rest of the [[Western world]] a modernisation process started in the 20th century. New items such as [[car]]s, [[fridge]]s, [[television]] etc. made their way into peoples' lives. [[Image:Oviken.jpg|thumb|Houses on the countryside in Oviken, southern Jämtland.]] With the establishment of the [[socialism|socialist]] [[Folkhemmet]] (''the people's home'') and the [[Rudolf Meidner|Rehn-Meidner model]] Jämtland became a true neglected area in Sweden. The model deemed it necessary to concentrate the Swedish population in cities, at the coast and in the south. Jämtland an inland region in Norrland with the largest part of the population living in the countryside in Sweden was by far the most unprofitable region one could imagine. When the politics were launched Jämtland experienced the largest population loss in modern Swedish history. Local companies were forced into bankruptcy and unemployed people were encourage to move to cities at the coast or in the south through subsidies and governmental commercials. At the same time taxes were rising and the [[public sector]] growing. Opposition to the loss of population and the [[centralization|centralist]] plans among officials regarding [[Jämtland County]] led to the creation of the ''Republic of Jamtland'' ([[Jämtland#Republic of Jamtland|see below]]). ===Subdivision and law=== [[Image:Andersonbrygga.JPG|thumb|The bridge on Andersön]] Jämtland was originally divided into four parts, so called [[farthing]]s (''fjalingan'' or ''fjålingan'' in Jamtish), just like Iceland (''fjórðungr'' in [[Icelandic language|Icelandic]]). This division is similar to the [[Hundred (country subdivision)|hundred subdivision]] the rest of Scandinavia had. Just like on Iceland these farthings were named after [[cardinal direction]]s. Exactly how the borders for each farthing went is unknown though it has been suggested that they all reached Storsjön in the center of the province. The eastern farthing at [[Brunflo]], the western from [[Trångsviken]] to the [[Rödö peninsula|Rödö]] [[peninsula]] and the south farthing from [[Oviken]] and [[Hackås]] and southwards. The northern farthing is assumed to have covered all the northern parts in addition to all the islands in Storsjön (like Frösön, [[Norderön]], [[Andersön]] etc.) and [[Mörsil]] plus [[Hallen parish]] all the way to ''[[Oviksfjällen]]''. The farthings were lesser administrative regions, more or less [[jurisdiction|juridical districts]] with their own assemblies, all parallel with the common assembly on Frösön. The old [[law]] used in Jämtland is the so called [[Jamtish Law]], referred to in old documents as e.g. ''Jamptskum laughom''. Old documents also makes reference to a specific law book — ''Jamskre loghbok''<ref>Ekerwald, Carl-Göran (2004). ''Jämtarnas historia'', 117.</ref>. The law book has never been recovered and it's assumed to have been destroyed in the 16th century, or never having existed at all. Nevertheless the Jamtish law was either the same, or strongly influenced by the [[Frostating]] law applied on Trøndelag. When [[Magnus VI of Norway|Magnus the law-mender]] became the king of Norway he instituted a national law for Norway in 1276, however Jämtland was not applied by this law. Jämtland came under this law either in 1365 or in the middle of the 16th century<ref>Ekerwald, Carl-Göran (2004). ''Jämtarnas historia'', 154.</ref>. The divisions by farthings were replaced in the 16th century by [[:Category:Provincial Court Districts of Sweden|Court Districts]], shortly after Jämtland got its own Norwegian law thing. :::::::'''Court Districts in Jämtland''' [[Image:Are2o.jpg|300px|thumb|Someone from western Jämtland lives ''opp i lännan'' "up in the lands". Which alludes to the high position this region is known for. This is hinted by [[Åreskutan]] behind the old church of Åre in this picture.]] {| width="70%" |----- valign="top" | ::[[Berg Court District]] ::[[Brunflo Court District]] ::[[Hackås Court District]] ::[[Hallen Court District]] ::[[Hammerdal Court District]] ::[[Lits Court District]] ::[[Offerdal Court District]] | [[Oviken Court District]]<br> [[Ragunda Court District]]<br> [[Revsund Court District]]<br> [[Rödön Court District]]<br> [[Sunne Court District]]<br> [[Undersåker Court District]] |} There's also an historical subdivision of Jämtland in Jamtlandic. One area is referred to as ''Nol i bygdom'' "the north countryside" and consist of [[Lits Court District|Lit]]-[[Hammerdal Court District|Hammerdal]] and the area further north. ''Sö i bygdom'' "the south contryside" or ''Sunna sjön'' consists of the area just south of Storsjön; [[Oviken Court District|Oviken]], [[Berg Court District|Berg]], [[Sunne Court District|Sunne]] and [[Hallen Court District|Hallen]]. ''Öst i bygdom'' (also ''ast, äst, ust, åst'' etc. instead of "öst") for eastern Jämtland, mainly [[Ragunda Court District|Ragunda]], [[Revsund Court District|Revsund]] and [[Brunflo Court District|Brunflo]]. ''Opp i lännan'' "up in the lands" refers to western Jämtland, [[Undersåker Court District|Undersåker]] and [[Offerdal Court District|Offerdal]]. ''Fram på lännan'' "the front", "central lands" or ''in på lännan'' "in on the lands" consists of the area around Storsjön like Frösön, [[Rödön Court District|Rödön]] etc. A person from this area is called a ''framlänning'' "front lander". ===Churches=== [[Image:Håsjö Gamla Kyrka.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The old church in Håsjö, the churches were almost always placed centrally where everybody could gaze upon them. A copy of this [[bell tower]], typical for Jämtland, is located at [[Skansen]] in [[Stockholm]].]] After the conversion to [[Christianity]] several [[parish]]es (so called ''socknar'', related to "seek") were established in Jämtland, these are now replaced by over 40 ''församlingar'', meaning "assemblage". These are organized by so called ''kontrakt'' "contracts", collaboration units within the [[Church of Sweden|Swedish church's]] each [[diocese]]. Jämtland is a part of the [[Diocese of Härnösand|Härnösand diocese]], established two years after Jämtland was seceded to Sweden. In Jämtland there are five contracts; [[Bräcke-Ragunda contract|Bräcke-Ragunda]], [[Krokom-Åre contract|Krokom-Åre]], [[Strömsund's contract|Strömsund]] and [[Östersund's contract]], along with [[Berg-Härjedalen's contract|Berg-Härjedalen]]. Though only half of the parishes in the last one are actually located in Jämtland, the rest are located in Härjedalen. [[Image:Froso kyrka side.jpg|left|250px|thumb|The [[Frösö church]] is located on top of an older Norse cult site]] When the first churches were established in Jämtland during the medieval period they were done so by a small number of farmers. Estimations show that there were seldom more than 30 to 40 farmers in each parish. In some cases, like in [[Kyrkås parish|Kyrkås]], [[Marby parish|Marby]] and [[Norderö parish]] the farmers were probably 20 or less. These original parishioners built churches that's lasted for centuries, many are still existing and functioning today. This is quite remarkable given that they built these churches in stones, much larger than their ordinary timber houses and in a material the parishioners weren't accustomed to (given that they only used timber). The churches became a matter of concern for every parishioner, the centre in each parish. Everybody had to help build them and their descendants had to maintain them, this carried on for generations. Families have decorated the churches throughout history with various ornaments and art such as valuable inventories, [[wood carving]]s, [[painting]]s (predominately biblical illustrations), [[textile]]s, [[silver]] and [[tin]] along with various [[handicraft]]s. Almost the entire older [[popular culture]] in Jämtland is tied to the churches. Making them the core of Jämtland's cultural heritage.<ref>Rentzhog, Sten (1996). "Tidernas Kyrka", in Sten Rentzhog: ''Jämten 1997'' (in Swedish), 23.</ref> [[Image:Bräcke kyrka.jpg|thumb|200px|The [[Neoclassicism|Neoclassical]] and [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic]]-styled church in [[Bräcke]], built by the parishioners themselves in the 19th century.]] The churches have symbolized a connection between Jämtland's population through generations and this is still the case for many today. People are joined together through cheerful moments such as [[Baptism|christening]], [[Holy Matrimony]], [[Confirmation#Lutheran views|confirmation]], through [[crisis]] and mournful times like [[funeral]]s. In Jämtland-Härjedalen the [[free church]] movement didn't become near as wide spread as in the rest of Sweden. Because of this Jämtland and Härjedalen have a large number of members in the Swedish church since nine out of ten in fact are members. Though regular church attendance is much lower nowadays compared to what it once was, back then every parishioner gathered on the Sabbath when no one was allowed to work (except on rare occasions). Within each parish distinctive customs, [[bunad]]s and dialects developed because of this, especially the dialects are known to differ from parish to parish in Jämtland. [[Image:Strömsunds hembygdsgård3.jpg|250px|left|thumb|Old parish house from the 18th century in Ström's parish]] Jämtland also had a great deal of [[equality]] between each parishioner, Jämtland lacked a [[nobility]] and there are no noble family coats of arms nor authorial marks in the churches, which is very common in the rest of Sweden. Jämtland also lacked a specific "bench order" (an order based on rank that defined where you were allowed to sit in the church), something that other churches had. In Jämtland the principle "among farmers no other rank except age and life-time"<ref>Rentzhog, Sten (1996). "Tidernas Kyrka", in Sten Rentzhog: ''Jämten 1997'' (in Swedish), 29. "bönder emellan ingen annan rang än ålder och levnadsår"</ref> applied. Each parish also had an assembly, where every parishioner was present and decisions were only taken unanimously. If they weren't able to come to a mutual understanding the matter had to rest and be resumed later until everybody agreed. In the community houses the village's prominent people, so called ''byalag'', gathered to decide on mutual concerns such as [[split-rail fence]]s, [[ditch]] construction and agricultural related stuff. The central figure in each district was the [[priest]]. He dealt with most matters since he was in contact with every parishioner. He meddled in conflicts and gave advice and comfort in various situations. Besides preaching and informing the priest was also a farmer himself, often a forerunner in the field. The priest didn't always go the authority's errand, sometimes he tried to help his fellow parishioners fend off extra taxes and military services.<ref>Rentzhog, Sten (1996). "Tidernas Kyrka", in Sten Rentzhog: ''Jämten 1997'' (in Swedish), 30.</ref> <div align=center> '''<big>Gallery</big>''' <gallery> Image:Kastalostersund.jpg|The medieval fortification next to Brunflo's church Image:Altaruppsats.jpg|The [[altar]] in Lit's church Image:Ovikens nya kyrka2.jpg|Interior from Oviken's new church Image:Old church in Åsarna.jpg|Old church of Åsarne Image:Åre gamla kyrka.jpg|Old church in Åre Image:Laxsjö kyrka, huvudklocka.jpg|The large Laxsjö church bell Image:Ovikens gamla kyrka.jpg|Old church of Oviken Image:Ösd stora kyrka från österängsparken.jpg|The large church in Östersund </gallery> </div> ===Sami people=== {{Main|Sami people}} [[Image:Kåta i Västra Årådalen.JPG|thumb|A Sami [[lavvu]] in [[Arådalen]]]] In Jämtland there are also Sami people. The Sami in Jämtland are Southern Sami people and speak [[Southern Sami]] (or ''åarjelsaemien giele'', as it's known in Southern Sami) a [[Sami language|language]] mutually unintelligible with the other Sami languages. The Sami in Jämtland have historically been referred to as "Lapps" and sometimes by using the vague word "Finns" (supposedly related to English "find", see [[Fenni]]), though they prefer to call themselves Sami - people of the sun and wind. There have been Sami peoples in Jämtland for several hundred years, exactly how many is however disputed<ref>Rumar, Lars (1998). ''Historia kring Kölen'' (in Swedish), 50.</ref>. The northernmost part of Jämtland, [[Frostviken Parish|Frostviken]], is an originally Sami area, historically referred to as a ''[[Finnmark#Etymology|Finnmark]]''. Though the ancestors to the Sami people who live south of this area today probably didn't come to the area before the 16th century<ref name=nationalencyklopedin>The article ''Jämtland'', in the [[encyclopædia]] ''[[Nationalencyklopedin]]''.</ref> when the large scale [[reindeer]] herding began, leading to a nomadic lifestyle among the Sami people. This also led to several conflicts in court between Sami people in Jämtland and the [[property|land owners]]. At the dawn of the 20th century the Swedish state had an official policy which stated that "Lapp should be Lapp" and that they all should live a "traditional" Sami life and not integrate in the society. This has now changed and only a minority are in fact reindeer-herders. The Sami people in Jämtland are closely connected to their brethren living in Trøndelag and a distinctive feature of the Southern Sami culture is the [[yoik]] called ''vuoille''. == Heraldry == [[Image:Jämtland coat of arms.png|thumb|1884's version of Jämtland's coat of arms with a wolf (Denmark-Norway) and an eagle (Sweden) fighting for hegemony over the moose (Jämtland), facing left.]] The arm is represented with a [[ducal]] [[coronet]]. [[Blazon]]: :''Azure moose passant argent armed gules attacked from behind by a falcon volant and from in front by a dog rampant to the sinister or.'' [[English language|English]] translation: :''On a blue background, a silver moose with red antlers walks with a reared falcon on its back and a hound on its haunches, facing the left. Both animals are fashioned in gold.'' The coat of arms of Jämtland derives from the third Jamtish seal, given to Jämtland in 1635 by the Danish king. It has been disputed what the beasts on each side of the moose, Jämtland, are in this third seal. Is it a wolf or a domesticated dog? An [[golden eagle|eagle]], a [[raven]] or a [[falcon]]? The Swedish authority decided in 1884 (when [[Sweden and Norway]] were in a union) that it indeed was a wolf and an eagle. Though this decision was revised in 1935 and it's since been claimed to be portraying a hunting scene with a trained falcon and a dog. Jämtland's first seal was the one depicted above from the medieval period. It was abolished after the Nordic Seven Years' War and the second seal of Jämtland was used between 1575-1614. This seal contained two Olav-axes and was also abolished after a Swedish occupation, the one during the Kalmar War. When Jämtland became Swedish it wasn't suitable to use one of the older seals with such a strong Norwegian influence as a basis for a new Swedish coat of arms. So the latest seal was used instead, even though it was in fact of Danish origin. ==Current administration == Just like every other historical province of Sweden Jämtland serves no administrative purposes, but serves as an historical, geographical and cultural region. Jämtland makes up three quarters of the [[län|Swedish administrative province]] [[Jämtland County]], though a small uninhabited part in northern Jämtland is a part of [[Västerbotten County]] and the area around [[Överturingen]] is a part of [[Västernorrland County]]. The landsting, ''[[County Councils of Sweden|County Council]]'', is an elected assembly and the successor of Jamtamót. This County Council was the role model for the rest of the Swedish County Councils when they were established in 1863<ref>Larsson, Håkan (1999). "Jämtlands landsting modell för hela landet?", in Sten Rentzhog: ''Jämten 2000'' (in Swedish), 98-100.</ref>. The province is also divided into primarily seven [[municipalities]]; [[Berg Municipality]], [[Bräcke Municipality]], [[Krokom Municipality]], [[Ragunda Municipality]], [[Strömsund Municipality]], [[Åre Municipality]] and [[Östersund Municipality]]. The uninhabited part in northern Jämtland belongs to [[Dorotea Municipality]] and the area around Överturingen is a part of [[Ånge Municipality]]. Though, even if these municipalities and the county are serving as administrative regions most Jamts still identify themselves with the parishes and with Jämtland as a province. ==Physical Geography== {{Main|Geography of Jämtland}} [[Image:Storsjön med fjäll.jpg|thumb|The mountains in Scandinavia are refered to as ''[[fell]]s''. This picture shows Storsjön, "the Great Lake" and distant fells.]] Jämtland is a large land-locked province in the heart of the [[Scandinavian peninsula]] in [[northern Europe]]. Jämtland stretches 315 kilometers in north-south direction and 250 kilometers in east-west direction and is equal in size with e.g. [[Ireland]]. Jämtland's western border is made out by [[Scandinavian Mountains|Kölen]] which stretches throughout the province from north to south with branches into the landscape's southeastern parts. The fell [[massif]] is broken at some places by large valleys stretching all the way to the [[Norwegian Sea]]. These valleys have been used for centuries as paths connecting Jämtland to the west. The valleys were particularly trafficated during [[pilgrimage]]s to [[Nidaros]], the 4th most visited pilgrimage site during the medieval period. In fact no less than three pilgrim roads went through Jämtland. [[Image:Tannforsen.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tännforsen]] in western Jämtland]] The entire province is more or less a [[Highland (geography)|highland region]] with the highest peak being [[Storsylen]], a peak in the [[Sylan]] mountain range with an [[altitude]] of 1 728 meters above sea level. Though this isn't the highest peak in the mountain range, since that peak is in fact located on the other side of the border. Another large peak in Jämtland worthy of mention is [[Åreskutan]] (1 420 meters above sea level). The lowest point in the province is as low as 35 meters above sea level and is located in the eastern part of Jämtland. Approximately 8 per cent of Jämtland's area is covered by water and the province has two larger [[stream]]s, [[Ljungan]] and [[Indalsälven]] (also known as ''Jämtlandsälven''). Both of which emanates from the Scandinavian Mountains and drains several lakes on their way eastwards to lower altitudes. ===Climate=== [[Image:Jamtlandvy.jpg|thumb|Summer scenery in Jämtland]] Jämtland has a [[temperate climate]] and belongs to the [[temperate zone]]'s northernmost area. The climate in Jämtland is both [[humid continental climate|humid continental]] and [[subarctic climate|subarctic]], depending on the location. The climate is greatly affected by the [[Norwegian Sea]] and the [[Atlantic Ocean]], due to several [[mountain pass]]es in Scandinavian mountain range. In western Jämtland mild winters with excessive [[precipitation]] are common. This is because of the warm winds brought to the area by the [[Gulf Stream]]. The average precipitation in the Jamtish Fells is roughly 1 000 [[millimetre]]s per year, with [[Skäckerfjällen]] as extreme with about 1 500 mm. The precipitation rates in the middle of the province are much more moderate. In fact the central and eastern parts of Jämtland have precipitation shortages, in Storsjöbygden the annual averages is as low as 500 mm. Due to the warm winds the temperature during the winters reaches its maximum in the fell region with about -7-8[[°C]] in [[Storlien]] and the environs. The coldest winter temperatures are found in the province's outskirts like [[Börtnan]] with roughly -11 °C. Maximum temperatures in the summer months average from the 14 °C in Jämtland's eastern parts to around 11 °C in the fell region. Though on certain mountain peaks the averages are usually as low as 5 °C. The highest (34.0 °C) and lowest (-45.8 °C) temperatures ever recorded in Jämtland were found in its easternmost parts near [[Hammarstrand]] in 1947 and 1950. [[Blizzard]]s are common in Jämtland, and especially in the fell region. The most notable blizzard is the one that arose on [[New Year's Eve]] 1718 (see above). The heaviest winds in Jämtland may gust to 55 metres/s. ==Wildlife== ===Flora=== [[Image:Nigritella nigra brunkulla.JPG|thumb|''Gymnadenia nigra'', known as ''brunkulla'' — the [[brown]] [[maiden]] in dialect.]] The Jamtish [[flora]] is heavily characterized by [[temperate coniferous forest]], [[taiga]], a forest inhabited by [[Norway spruce]] and [[pine]] trees. Among the two the Norway spruce is more common. The Norway spruce actually grows most densely in Jämtland together with the southern parts of [[Lapland, Sweden|Lapland]]. Here roughly 60 per cent of the forests consist of spruces. In Jämtland over 2 300 mineral-rich [[marsh]]es ([[wetland]]s) containing a very high [[pH]] level have been located. These marshes cover an area of 550 square kilometers. 400 of these marshes are also very rich in [[chalk]] and because of the chalk-rich soil Jämtland displays the largest concentration of these type of marshes on the entire European continent. The chalk-rich soil has attracted several chalk-dependent plants, such as [[orchid]]s, in Jämtland there are 19 different kinds of orchids. Each province in Sweden has symbols associated with them and Jämtland's provincial [[flower]] is an extremely rare orchid, the ''[[Gymnadenia nigra]]'', an orchid that's only common in the province and a few other places in central Scandinavia. Several kinds of [[berry|berries]] are found in Jämtland like e.g. [[bilberry]] (''blåbär'') , [[lingonberry]] (''lyngbär'') and [[cloudberry]] (referred to as ''mylhta'' in Jämtland). ===Fauna=== [[Image:Moose Zoo Östersund.jpg|thumb|left|A tame Jamtish moose from [[Moose Garden]] in [[Orrviken]] outside Östersund. The moose is Jämtland's provincial animal.]] Due to the diversified [[natural environment]] in Jämtland it displays a great deal of different [[animal]]s. The animal most commonly associated with Jämtland is (as already hinted) the [[moose]]. It is Jämtland's provincial animal and is referred to in dialect as simply ''djur'', "animal". Moose may be found throughout Jämtland but to a lesser extent in the mountainous area in the province's eastern parts and in the north. However northern Jämtland is the most densely populated [[brown bear]] habitat in the world. The brown bear (''bjenn'' in Jamtish) is also more or less common throughout Jämtland. Other large predators in Jämtland include the [[Felidae|cat]] ''gaupa'' ([[Eurasian lynx]]), the ''filfras'' meaning the [[glutton]] ([[wolverine]]) and smaller such as the [[arctic fox]]. Jämtland has had populations of [[wolf|wolves]] (''skrågg'', ''gråbein'') from time to time after it practically went extinct in Scandinavia during the 20th century. There are however currently no wolves with an established [[Territory (animal)|territory]] in Jämtland. There's also one large [[raptor]] in the province, the [[golden eagle]]. [[Image:Beaver dam Jämtland.JPG|thumb|A [[beaver dam]] in Jämtland.]] The last native [[beaver]] in Sweden was shot in northern Jämtland 1871 at [[Bjurälven]] (''bjur'' or ''björ'' is the Jamtish word for beaver). It was also in Jämtland that the beaver was reintroduced in Sweden from Norway in 1922. The current beaver population is quite large and common. Among the smaller mammals inhabiting Jämtland that are rare in the rest of Scandinavia are e.g. the [[taiga shrew]] and the [[northern birch mouse]]. The ''læmel'', [[Norway lemming]] is also present in Jämtland and the latest major population boom usual for this species occurred in 2001. [[Image:Albino raindeer.jpg|thumb|left|Reindeers in Jämtland's mountain range.]] Jämtland is inhabited by several mammals from the [[weasel family]]. Besides the already mentioned wolverine the ''oter'', [[Eurasian otter|otter]], is widespread in the province and common near several streams, [[least weasel|least]]/[[snow weasel]] exists, along with planted, released and escaped [[mink]]s. The province is also home to the [[pine marten]] and the [[ermine]]. These mammals have often been hunted for their valuable fur, for Jämtland this is especially true for the ermine. Among the [[deer]]s the moose is as already stated common. Other deers are [[roe deer]], [[red deer]] and [[reindeer]], in the shape of Sami herds or wilded originally tame reindeers. The provincial [[fish]] is the [[brown trout]] which is found together with [[common whitefish]], [[Grayling (species)|grayling]], [[European perch]], [[arctic char]], [[burbot]], [[salmon]] and the carnivorous [[northern pike]]. Roughly 250 types of [[bird]]s have been observed in Jämtland. The species presence greatly varies, in the fells [[bluethroat]], [[long-tailed skua]], [[Eurasian dotterel]], [[ptarmigan]], [[Lapland bunting|Lapland]] and [[Snow bunting]] are found. The forested region is inhabited by species such as [[hazel hen]], [[black grouse]], [[capercaillie]], [[Siberian Jay|Siberian jay]], [[Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker|three-toed woodpecker]] and [[rustic bunting]]. Several different types of [[owl]]s dwells in the province and the provincial owl is the [[northern hawk owl]]. ==Economy== [[Image:Jon Olsson invitational.jpg|thumb|The [[freeskiing]] competition [[Jon Olsson|Jon Olsson]] invitational in [[Åre]]]] The first humans came to Jämtland after the last ice age and later switched to a more agricultural lifestyle. Though the agriculture couldn't sustain the population so it was combined with a great deal of trading, hunting and iron production. When the rise of industrialism begun, Jämtland was one of the few Swedish regions that never became fully industrialized. Instead Jämtland supplied the Norrlandic coast with raw materials, mainly [[lumber]]. The focus in Jämtland's [[economy]] was directed towards tourism after the construction of the railroad, starting with the "clean air tourists" who came to experience the fresh air, to see the snow clad fells, the waterfalls and the natural environment. Today the tourism in Jämtland is dominated by winter sports and especially alpine skiing in various facilities in [[Åre (ski area)|Åre]], [[Bydalen]], [[Storlien]], [[Klövsjö]], [[Duved]] etc. [[Image:Lillänge handelsplats 070616.jpg|thumb|left|[[Lillänge]] is an external shopping centre in Östersund]] As Jämtland never industrialized the agricultural sector is larger compared to the rest of Sweden. In Jämtland County this sector employs 4,4 per cent of the labour force compared to 1,8 per cent for Sweden as whole<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regionfakta.com/dynamiskPresentation.aspx?id=2661 |title=Sysselsatta per bransch |publisher=Regionfakta.com |accessdate=2008-02-23 |language=Swedish}}</ref>. Just like the rest of Sweden the [[public sector]] in Jämtland is large and the high [[taxes]] fund the [[Swedish welfare|public welfare]]. Jämtland has large concentrations of [[uranium]] and deposits of e.g. [[gold]], [[zinc]], [[mica]], [[silver]], [[lead]], [[iron]] and [[copper]] have been found. However, the only [[Mining|mines]] of importance in Jämtland's history are the former copper mines in [[Fröå]] and [[Huså]]. Jämtland is heavily dominated by many [[small business]]es and together with Härjedalen Jämtland has the second highest number of [[company owner]]s in Sweden (in relation to the population), the highest number of enterprising women<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.svensktnaringsliv.se/regioner/ostersund/article25669.ece |title=Jämtlandskvinnor mest företagsamma i landet |author=Godin, Lisbeth|publisher=[[Confederation of Swedish Enterprise]] |accessdate=2008-02-23 |language=Swedish}}</ref> and by far the most [[cooperative]]s<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.op.se/parser.php?level1=154&level2=691&id=820739 |title=Kooperativ är i ropet och jämtarna är bäst |author=Trapp, Mikael|publisher=[[Östersunds-Posten]] |accessdate=2008-02-23 |language=Swedish}}</ref>. [[Östersund]] is the centre of trade and commerce in Jämtland. ==Population== Jämtland is a very sparsely populated region, more so than Sweden and Scandinavia as wholes. There are only 3,3 people per square kilometre and the population of {{nowrap|113 000}} is unevenly distributed. In Jämtland County (including the province of Härjedalen) the number of people living outside an urban area is {{nowrap|34 per cent}} of the total population, making Jämtland one of the largest rural regions in Scandinavia. Most people in Jämtland live in [[Storsjöbygden]], the area around lake Storsjön in larger towns such as the only [[Cities of Sweden|chartered city]] in Jämtland, [[Östersund]], founded 1786 (now including Frösön), [[Krokom]], [[Ås]], [[Svenstavik]], [[Nälden]] and Jämtland's second largest town [[Brunflo]]. This region is actually quite densely populated. The largest urban areas outside Storsjöbygden are primly the municipality seats [[Strömsund]], [[Järpen]], [[Bräcke]] and [[Hammarstrand]]. Along with towns such as [[Åre]], [[Hammerdal]] and [[Lit]]. A resident or native of Jämtland is commonly referred to as ''Jamt'' (Swedish: ''jämte''). ===Famous natives=== * [[Kjell Albin Abrahamson]], journalist and author * [[Georg Adlersparre]], army commander, revolutionary leader of 1809 * [[Ann-Margret]], actress, singer * [[Ulf Dahlén]], hockey player * [[Alx Danielsson]], racing driver * [[Alexander Edler]], hockey player in [[Vancouver Canucks]] * [[Allan Edwall]], actor * [[Gunder Hägg]], runner * [[Emma Härdelin]], singer in bands [[Garmarna]] and Triakel * [[Peja Lindholm]], curler * [[Henrik Lundqvist]], [[New York Rangers|Rangers]] hockey player * [[Bodil Malmsten]], novelist * [[Annika Norlin]], pop artist * [[Anna Ottosson]], alpine skier * [[Helge Palmcrantz]], inventor * [[Pehr Wilhelm Wargentin]], astronomer and father of [[Statistics Sweden]] ==Culture== The culture of Jämtland has been greatly affected by the fact that Jämtland's never had an [[upper class]], since the population have mostly consisted of free sovereign farmers with wide connections and a strong regional identity<ref>Ekerwald, Carl-Göran (2004). ''Jämtarnas historia'', 27.</ref>. This has been the case for many generations. When [[Christian IV of Denmark]] punished the Jamts severely after having sworn the Swedish king their allegiance (see above) by turning them into [[tenant farmer]]s and abolished their seal, he told them to stay put on their farms. They did not head this call but instead sought help from their own organized advisers and "the land's defense". A defense against the Danish state. An insolent that further outraged the Danish king. Though this was the tradition, Jämtland started out free and remained autonomous during its time as a Norwegian [[dependency]]. Because of Jämtland's historical background the local culture shows great similarities with the [[Norwegian farm culture]]. Today, the history of Jämtland is exhibited in the regional museum [[Jamtli]] in [[Östersund]]. The museum consists of an [[Open air museum|open-air section]] with historical buildings, as well as an indoor museum which houses exhibitions about the regions cultural history, from the stone age until modern times. Local history has been very popular in Jämtland for over 100 years, due to the extensive cultural home ground movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century. The movement founded Jamtli in order to preserve the cultural heritage. ===Lifestyle=== [[Image:Jamthund.jpg|thumb|200px|Sketch of a Jämthund]] The culture in Jämtland has been marked by the stages in human development; the hunting-gathering stage, the semi-nomadic herding stage, the fully agricultural stage and the modern technological stage. Remnants from the hunter-gathering stage is first and foremost hunting itself. Jämtland's population remained in this stage for a very long time due to the hunters ability to sustain the population. Today the moose hunt is regarded by many Jamts as the major holiday of the year. When the first humans came to Jämtland they brought dogs with them as helpers. The local dog, [[Jämthund]], is a canine breed eponymous to Jämtland. Even if it is not explicitly stated, popular perception holds that the dog depicted in the coat of arms is of that breed. The Jämthund is often described having a [[wolf]]-like appearance. [[Image:STN Calf.jpg|left|thumb|150px|A Norwegian fell cow]] [[Image:Fabodvagen4 Sweden.jpg|thumb|200px|Oviks-Svedjebodarna weald (grazing land), in southern Jämtland]] One of the first things [[Tacitus]] mentions in his work ''[[Germania (book)|Germania]]'' is that the Germanic people treasure their animals above all else. Tacitus also concludes that the Germanic people found cultivation repulsive. Instead, he states, the Germanic people devote themselves to food and sleep and besides that they prefer to remain idle. All of this, to certain extents, applied to Jämtland. When the people of Jämtland settled down they relied mostly on [[pastoralism]]. Their animals were the source of wealth and they were therefore loved. This love for the [[livestock]] has manifested itself in the dialect, a male [[nipple]] is called ''bokkjen'' (the [[goat#etymology|buck]]) and a female nipple is known as ''geita'' (the [[goat]]). In Jämtland the Scandinavian inland herding or "livestock drifting", ''buföring'', has always been more important than cultivation. In fact it was crucial to take care of the livestock and supply them with food, and rewarding. Every summer for several weeks, from May to September, ''gjetaran'' (herd boys) and ''butøusan'' (herd girls, ''bu'' is cognate to "booth") followed and guarded ''kreka'', the critter, on their way to a [[grazing land]] on higher altitudes where several critter houses had been raised. The common animals taken out on these journeys were ''gjettran'' (Jämtland goats) and ''kynnan'' (the fell cows) a white, brisk and headstrong cow race, lacking horns. It was a hard work and it depended on cooperation between males and females. This lifestyle lived on for thousand years and it was first in the 1950s it became obsolete. This tradition has however been resurrected as of late, mostly for touristic purposes. When the population settled down the society greatly changed, first coexisting with the older societies, later absorbing them. Trade became much more important, a political institution elected by the people came into existence, the very same institution whose successor is the current County Council. Jämtland got its name and a somewhat [[hierarchy|hierarchical]] social structure emerged, though, as already pointed out, Jämtland never had an upper class. Strong families such as [[Skanke]] and [[Blix]] did exist though and on the countryside in Jämtland people still live in networks of relatives, ''families''. Where they provide a second [[social security]] for many, in the rest of Sweden and in e.g. Östersund this has completely or almost entirely been replaced by [[public welfare]]. ===Cuisine=== {{See also|Cuisine of Norway|Cuisine of Sweden}} [[Image:Messmor.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Messmör'', soft whey butter, is a Jamtish product popular in Sweden]] Much of Jämtland's cuisine is remnant from the herding stage. Just like other Scandinavians it's common among Jamts to drink [[milk]] throughout their entire life. There are many different types of Jamtish [[dairy products]], especially cheese, since it was by far the easiest way to conserve milk. [[Brunost|Mesost]] is particularly associated with Jämtland and also e.g. a local variant of [[cottage cheese]] called ''grynost''. In Jämtland there are several small [[dairy|dairies]] in the villages, most famous is the one in [[Skärvången]]. Other products associated with Jämtland are the [[soft whey butter]], [[long fil]], [[kjesfil]], ''flautgröt'' "[[cream]] [[porridge]]", [[tunnbröd]], a version of [[palt]] called ''kams'', [[klobb]] etc. The ancient practice of brewing ''Julöl'' (yule beer) persists even today with the [[microbrewery]] [[Jämtlands Bryggeri]] in [[Pilgrimstad]]. Local projects such as the internet portal ''Food of Jamtland'' and the trading mark ''Smakriket Jämtland'' (the "taste realm" Jämtland) are two major contributors in marketing, preserving and developing the cuisine of Jämtland. Some of the newest merchandises in Jämtland are a [[sparkling wine]] made of [[birch]] [[sap]] and a [[sausage]] called ''Jämtlandsfalu'', wilderness juice, the [[snaps]] ''kallsup'' and tunnbröd [[chips]]. ===Folklore=== {{See also|Scandinavian folklore}} [[Image:PB190187.JPG|thumb|Lake Storsjön]] The folklore of Jämtland mostly correspond to [[Scandinavian folklore]] as whole, although the folklore is seldom regarded as popular belief nowadays, with one major exception, [[Storsjöodjuret]]. According to legend it is believed that [[Storsjön]] (literally ''the Great Lake'') harbors a large lake creature, Storsjöodjuret. There are many witness reports but the creature’s existence remains to be established conclusively. Regardless of any proven existence, Storsjöodjuret was officially placed under the protection of a degree issued in 1986 by the [[County Administrative Boards of Sweden|County Administrative Board]] in order to guarantee its safety from hunters and fortune seekers, the protection was lifted in November 2005<ref>[http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=2224092005 Scotsman.com]</ref>. The first description of Storsjöodjuret was made in this tale from 1635; [[Image:Draak Östersund 22jul2006.jpg|thumb|left|Storsjöodjuret is commonly represented by this figure.]] {{quote|A long, long time ago two trolls, Jata and Kata, stood on the shores of the Great Lake brewing a concoction in their cauldrons. They brewed and mixed and added to the liquid for days and weeks and years. They knew not what would result from their brew but they wondered about it a great deal. One evening there was heard a strange sound from one of their cauldrons. There was a wailing, a groaning and a crying, then suddenly came a loud bang. A strange animal with a black serpentine body and a cat-like head jumped out of the cauldron and disappeared into the lake. The monster enjoyed living in the lake, grew unbelievably larger and awakened terror among the people whenever it appeared. Finally, it extended all the way round the island of Frösön, and could even bite its own tail. Ketil Runske bound the mighty monster with a strong spell which was carved on a stone and raised on the island of Frösön. The serpent was pictured on the stone. Thus was the spell to be tied till the day someone came who could read and understand the inscription on the stone.}} ''[[Puken]]'' is a magical ball of [[yarn]] summoned by a witch to draw objects to her. It often steals milk to the witch by milking [[cow]]s. <ref>Bringéus, Nils-Arvid (1963). "Folktraditioner från Jämtland" in Lennart Björkquist: ''Jämten 1964'' (in Swedish), 94</ref> Just like in the rest of the world [[dragon]]s have been known for a long time. In Jämtland they resemble [[broom]]s, that flies quickly and strikes down where [[treasury|treasuries]] are buried.<ref>Bringéus, Nils-Arvid (1963). "Folktraditioner från Jämtland" in Lennart Björkquist: ''Jämten 1964'' (in Swedish), 94-95</ref> ''[[Rå|Sjörå]]'' is a keeper of freshwater, that master fish, [[Aa River|aas]] and lakes. It is similar to the Jamtish ''[[Huldra|skogskjæringa]]'' "wife of the forest". A being that, at day, takes the appearance of a ''[[Siberian Jay|rauvtjuksa]]'' "red tail", a bird seen as ominous in Jamtish folklore. When in physical form her tail is always apparent. She tries to lure men to have [[sexual intercourse]] with her. The ''skogsrå'' is not the same creature as skogskjæringa in Jamtish folklore, it is the keeper of the forest and master all the animals in it. It takes on the shape of a moose during hunting season, and grows larger and larger if hit by bullets and eventually forces the hunters out. It can however, be slain with a silver bullet.<ref>Bringéus, Nils-Arvid (1963). "Folktraditioner från Jämtland" in Lennart Björkquist: ''Jämten 1964'' (in Swedish), 96-97</ref> [[Image:Johan Tirens naecken.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Local artist [[Johan Tirén]]'s painting ''Jämtlandssägen'' (Jämtland's tale) with a young fiddler wearing traditional Great Jamtish clothes, whilst listening to the Nix play.]] [[Tomte]]n is a common creature, it is quite tall and has an eye in the middle of his forehead. It is the keeper of [[barn]]s and a very capricious being, though he usually brings luck. <ref name="p 98">Bringéus, Nils-Arvid (1963). "Folktraditioner från Jämtland" in Lennart Björkquist: ''Jämten 1964'' (in Swedish), 98</ref> The [[Nix]], ''Näkkjen'', is a common mythical creature, in Jämtland it refers to a male water spirit whose music was dangerous to women. Each year in the town of [[Hackås]] in southern Jämtland an annual [[Traditional Nordic dance music|traditional music]] contest ''Årets Näck'' is held where each contestant impersonates the Nix. In Jämtland the [[vættir]]/[[dwarf|dwarves]] goes by the name ''jolbyggar'' "earth builders". They herd large white goats and cows and live [[underground]], they are considered innocuous though sometimes they exchange an unbaptized child for a so called ''bytningsbarn''. They are commonly associated with the grazing lands.<ref name="p 98"/> They also go by the names ''småruskan'', ''smågubban'' and ''småtussan''. ===Folk costumes=== Jämtland has several different types of folk costumes or ''[[bunad]]s''. Unlike certain regions in Scandinavia a unitary bunad didn't exist in Jämtland's parishes, with the exception of [[Hammerdal parish]] with its [[brown]]-striped clothing. Usually Jämtland is divided into three different clothing parts, the North Jamtish ([[Hammerdal Court District|Hammerdal]]), the East Jamtish ([[Ragunda Court District|Ragunda]]) and the Great Jamtish area, covering the rest and the majority of Jämtland. The North Jamtish clothing part is typically influenced by the folk costumes of northern Ångermanland and to a lesser degree Lapland, with the exception of [[Frostviken parish]] settled by Trønders in the 18th century. The East Jamtish part is the least old-fashioned of the three with many changes done to the costumes through time, making them closer to the kind used at the Swedish coast, rather than the others in Jämtland. The Great Jamtish part has typically old-fashioned and conservative homogeneous bunads with blue socks, red knitted caps among the males, dark bounded caps for ladies and coloured for girls. The skirts are usually of a single colour and the men have blue or black [[hodden]] [[coat]]s, with yellow [[Chamois leather]] pants made from moose skin. ===Dialects=== The genuine dialect of Jämtland is [[Jamtish]]. The speakers of the dialect refer to it as ''Jamska'' ({{IPA|[ˈjamskɐ]}}), which is a definite form that translates to English as "the Jamtish". However, due to the lack of a well-established English name of the dialect both Jamtish and Jamtlandic are used. Jamtish is in fact a group of dialects and there are distinctive dialects in every parish. Though they are usually classified in four groups; ''framlänningsmålet'' "the Central Jamtish tongue", ''opplänningsmålet'' (spoken in Western Jämtland), Southwest Jamtish and Northern Jamtish. The dialects in eastern Jämtland are sometimes considered as a fifth group of Jamtish, but also as dialects more related to the Swedish dialects spoken in [[Ångermanland]]. In the very north of Jämtland ''lidmål'', a version of [[Trøndersk]], is spoken. Jamtish is spoken by 50 000 people at most living in Jämtland and in other areas of Sweden, particularly the capital [[Stockholm]]. {| width="100%" |----- valign="top" | ::''Veit vår gräse ahllten e, brano grönt''<br> ::''å grönar tre, veit vår all får væ i fre?''<br> ::''Veit vår ingenting e svårst''<br> ::''å e öft, e huskut kort''<br> ::''om nättran er e lagom mårt?''<br> ::''De e västa nola værln''<br> ::''å åsta sönna hagan''<br> ::''nola västa sjön''<br> ::''å sönna åsta dagom'' ::- From [[Triakel]]'s song '''Veit'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.noside.com/nsd6081note.html |title=Triakel Songs from 63 Degrees N |accessdate=2008-07-02 |publisher= NorthSide - Nordic Roots Music}}</ref> | ''Where d'you find a life of ease, green grass ''<br> ''and greener trees, gently waving in the breeze?''<br> ''Where d'you think the bugs don't bite''<br> ''And the work, as quick and light?''<br> ''Where's it hardly dark at night?''<br> ''It's to the east of the waning moon''<br> ''And to the west of the wide horizon,''<br> ''North of where the sun goes down''<br> ''And south of where it's rising. ''<br> English version of the same song, though not a literal translation. |} ===Provincial character=== Historically each province in Sweden has been known for a specific provincial character or ''[[volksgeist]]''. This was a field of intense research in Sweden earlier but is viewed somewhat unmodern and considered prejudice today. The provincial character of Jämtland was often portrayed as cheerful and the population have historically been known for their hospitality. Before the dawn of the railway it was common among farmers to leave their doors unlocked when the annual summer journey to the critter houses was due, often with the table set with food for travelers. [[Image:Ostersund.JPG|thumb|250px|Östersund was founded in order to stop the faring traditions in Jämtland. This happened first after the railroad was established and the city is now the trading center of Jämtland.]] The faring traditions of Jämtland are also very characteristic. The Jamts were known to neglect the agriculture and instead take on long trading journeys all over Scandinavia to various [[market]]s such as the ancients ones in [[Levanger]] and [[Gregorius market]] on Frösön. This was regarded as sheer pleasure in itself and not as something they were obligated to do. In the middle of the 18th century Jämtland's population was roughly {{nowrap|20 000}} and it was common that over {{nowrap|1 000 Jamts}} were present during ''Marsimartnan'' in Levanger, it is also claimed that the city was built solely on spikes from Jämtland before the fire in the 19th century. The journeys took place during the winters when the landscape was more accessible (when [[swamp]]s, lakes and [[tarn]]s froze to ice) and was conducted by males, which left the females in complete charge of the [[household]] and the [[property]]. The journeys were well-organized [[expedition]]s and no one traveled alone. These traditions has awarded the Jamt with traits such as enterprising and energetic. However the excessive interest in trade led to Jamts being deemed as profit-seekers and somewhat dishonest when it came to business. The local expression ''bällt du luur'n'' (were you able to trick him) has become a signature mark for the Jamt. The precise meaning and background of this expression is unknown, though it has been suggested that it may be an historical anecdote in cunning, whereas a child was not seen as a man until he tricks his father in horse trading. Others state that the expression comes from the Jamts' attempts to avoid tariffs. These attempts were very successful which greatly angered Swedish officials through time. These journeys eventually stopped once the railway came, though it's recently been renewed by locals. Some say that the heritage from this age lives on, given the high number of enterprises per capita. ===Republic of Jamtland=== {{main|Republic of Jamtland}} [[Image:Unofficial Flag of Jamtland.svg|thumb|right|200px|[[Flag of the Republic of Jamtland]]]] In the 1960s, an [[independence movement]] calling itself the "Republic of Jamtland" was created by humorist/actor/director [[Yngve Gamlin]]. Motivated on paper as an attempt to return the province to Jamtlandic control, the republic was given some form of recognition in 1967 when Mr. Gamlin was invited to an event for visiting statesmen hosted by Swedish prime minister [[Tage Erlander]]. Described in some sources as a form of criticism against [[centralized]] Swedish government and in others as a [[marketing]] ploy, it is likely that both played some part in its foundation (Republic officials typically describe it as "51 per cent serious"). The republic has a self-styled [[Flag of the Republic of Jamtland|flag]] and national anthem ([[Jämtlandssången]]) and the independence movement hosts the annual [[Storsjöyran]] event in the capital, [[Östersund]]. ==References== *{{cite book |last=Ekerwald |first=Carl-Göran |authorlink = :sv:Carl-Göran Ekerwald |title=Jämtarnas historia intill 1319 |year=2004 |publisher=Jengel - Förlaget för Jemtlandica |location=Östersund }} *{{cite book |last=Persson |first=Margareta |coauthors=Per-Lennart Persson, Bo Oscarsson, Berta Magnusson, Nils Simonsson |title=Dä glöm fell int Jamska |year=1986 |publisher=Margareta Persson |location=Offerdal }} *{{cite book |last=Björkquist|first=Lennart (editor)|coauthors=Nils-Arvid Bringéus, Karl Johan Eklund, [[Gunnar Olof Hyltén-Cavallius]] (republished), among others |title=Jämten 1964 |year=1963 |publisher=Heimbygdas Förlag|location=Östersund }} *{{cite book |last=Rentzhog |first=Sten (editor)|authorlink = :sv:Sten Rentzhog|coauthors=[[Steinar Imsen]], Kerstin Modin, among others |title=Jämten 1996 |year=1995 |publisher=[[Jamtli]]/Jämtlands läns museum |location=Östersund }} *{{cite book |last=Rentzhog |first=Sten (editor)|coauthors=Carl-Göran Ekerwald, Ville Roempke, Frans Järnankar, among others |title=Jämten 1997 |year=1996 |publisher=Jamtli/Jämtlands läns museum |location=Östersund }} *{{cite book |last=Rentzhog |first=Sten (editor)|coauthors=Hans Westlund, [[Håkan Larsson]], Merete Røskaft, among others |title=Jämten 2000 |year=1999 |publisher=Jamtli/Jämtlands läns museum |location=Östersund }} *{{cite book |last=Rumar |first=Lars |title=Historia kring Kölen |year=1998 |publisher=Jamtli/Jämtlands läns museum |location=Östersund }} ===Notes=== {{reflist|2}} == External links == *[http://www.jamtland.se/ Jamtland] - Official tourist site of Jämtland & Härjedalen *[http://www.jamtland.info/ Experience Winter in Jämtland Härjedalen] - Tourist info *[http://web.telia.com/~u63501054/index.english.html Jamtland - history and language] {{Provinces of Sweden}} {{Former possessions of Norway}} {{coor title dm|63|00|N|14|40|E|region:SE_type:adm1st_source:GNS-enwiki}} [[Category:Jämtland| ]] [[Category:Provinces of Sweden]] [[Category:Former republics]] [[Category:Former Norwegian colonies]] {{Link FA|sv}} [[da:Jämtland]] [[de:Jämtland]] [[eo:Jämtland]] [[et:Jämtlandi maakond]] [[fi:Jämtlanti]] [[fr:Jämtland]] [[hu:Jämtland tartomány]] [[hy:Եմթլանդ]] [[ja:イェムトランド地方]] [[la:Iemtia]] [[nl:Jämtland]] [[nn:Jämtland]] [[no:Jämtland]] [[ro:Jämtland]] [[sv:Jämtland]] [[vo:Yämtläniän (länatopäd)]]