The Porvoo measure means abundance
The story of the "Porvoo measure" dates back to the days of Swedish rule, when the bailiff collected taxes from the inhabitants in the form of grain, game, furs, and fish. He used two measures, a larger one when collecting taxes and smaller one when he delivered taxes to the king. He kept the difference for himself. This story has led to the Porvoo measure souvenir, which is a tin mug with a false bottom that illustrates the idea of two measures. You can buy the souvenir measure at many stores in Old Porvoo. Even today, the saying "with Porvoo measure" expresses abundance.
Last modified
02.02.2012
Tanja Peisala