Foreigners believe that the Finns are constrained and a little squeezed people, but this is not so. Their taciturnity and conservatism is associated with the mentality, and they live well in their harsh little world. The traditions of Finland are known all over the world, for example, visiting a real sauna and fishing.
Finnish traditions and customs go deep into antiquity. They never raise their voice and speak slowly. They argue that there is no point in rushing, and it can take away something valuable or make you miss an important life moment. They ski, connect with nature, or prefer ice fishing, during which they can sit in silence and think about life.
Bath, sauna, fishing, hunting
Finland and its traditions attract more and more tourists to Finnish territory. The Russians represent a real Finn: in a sauna with a fishing rod in his hand and a keg of beer. In Finland, they want to go to the sauna almost every day, maybe that's why most Finns there radiate health. If in Russia a trip to the sauna is associated with a feast: a sea of snacks and alcohol, then in Finland this is not welcome.
Many tourists come to Finnish land to rent a hunting lodge: they hunt and fish. In every house, even in the dense forest, there is a home sauna, where people go not to wash, but to relax. It is difficult to meet a Finn who does not know how to shoot a gun, or at least once did not go hunting.
Finland is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula and is surrounded by picturesque nature, many lakes and rivers. It is difficult to find a street where there would not be a fishing shop where you can fully prepare for a trip to the lakes and go fishing. By the way, tackle in Finland can be bought at an affordable price and very high quality.
On a note! The Finnish territory welcomes tourists all year round. You can go skiing or reindeer sledding, or you can settle in an ice house and go fishing with a gun at the ready on the lake.
Features of the Finnish greeting
Finns value their customs very much and if you want to offend a Finn, say something disrespectful about their traditions. Russians are always surprised by Finnish greetings. They consider him very reserved. If in Russia it is not customary to greet women, then in Finland, when meeting, a Finn shakes hands first of all with women. Someone says that this is due to gender equality, and someone claims that they just respect the female gender there. And this is not surprising, because the first woman president appeared in Finland.
Russians hug and pat each other on the back as we show feelings, while Finns consider showing emotions in public to be in bad taste. Despite this, the Finns do not have the concept of "you". They conduct easy communication even with the person whom they saw for the first time. Someone will consider this familiarity, but in fact they love easy communication, despite the conservatism of their nation.
On a note! Finns are famous for their longevity and healthy lifestyle. They harden, give up bad habits, take a steam bath and live in the bosom of nature.
Features of the national character and culture
Finland is a culture and traditions with a capital letter. Finns are hospitable and tactful. It is difficult to meet an angry inhabitant of this gray country or shouting at someone. The national and cultural traditions of the dispute are known throughout the world. When they come to visit, they carefully prepare for this event: they buy gifts and lay a chic table.
To please a Finnish woman, she must make sure that he respects her and accepts her independence. Most women in Finland earn much more than their husbands. However, in places of public catering, everyone pays for himself and this is the norm.
Finnish tea drinking is a real ritual. Tea can be drunk for hours without any sweets and cakes. In addition, the Finns are accustomed to leave a tip everywhere: be it a hotel, a bartender or a taxi driver. Despite this, everyone knows that a tip is always included in the bill, but they consider it bad manners if they do not leave something on top of the payment.
Many will call Finland a not very developed country, because they have recently mastered mobile technology and are not a fan of gadgets, like the rest of Europe. Finn will never take his phone to the cinema or to the museum. It is considered indecency to talk on a smartphone near the church, and to visit God's abode with a mobile phone is considered blasphemy.
In Finland, they are very kind to animals. There are many shelters throughout the country, and this small state surpasses Russia in the number of “homes for homeless animals”. Almost every family has a dog that does not live on the street, but in the house. They sincerely love their pets, and every tourist wants to ride a sleigh with dogs harnessed.
On a note! If a person sees that there is no ashtray anywhere nearby, then smoking is not allowed in this place. It is better to play it safe right away and ask permission from the owner, the administrator of the hotel or cafe.
healthy lifestyle
The main occupations of Finns are sauna, fishing, hunting and sports. Finns start an active lifestyle from a very young age. It is difficult to meet a child brought up in Finland who does not know how to stand confidently on skis or snowboards. They love hiking, and the route is planned in advance. This hike can take up to a week, and travelers will overcome the path of several hundred kilometers.
Numerous ski resorts are inhabited not only by tourists from other countries. The Finns themselves are very fond of relaxing on their slopes and rarely go on vacation to another country, except to soak up the beach. In Finland, the cold sea is the only disadvantage of this country if the tourist loves warmth.
Finns are very fond of fish dishes and chocolate. When visiting Finland, every tourist should try the national cuisine. For example, the famous Finnish sausages, garlic or onion soups, as well as delicious pies with various fillings. Can't say enough about the beer. Having tasted beer in Finland, everyone will say that this is the most delicious drink in the world.
Note to tourists! When visiting this northern country, be sure to buy Finnish vodka and delicate liquor at 50 degrees, visit saunas, go fishing and get up on skis.
Finnish culture is a combination of the Catholic West with the Orthodox East, based on local pagan myths and beliefs. Finns love especially national values. They sacredly honor traditions and loyalty to culture. Since ancient times, nature has been inseparable from religious beliefs and from the everyday life of the Finns.
In most cities in Finland, a simple way of life has been preserved - usually every family has a house in the village.
Finns are reserved, serious and silent. They do not like to speak loudly, they appreciate solidity and slowness. At first, everyone thinks, and then they make a decision, so you should not expect a lightning-fast reaction from the Finn. Usually the Finns do not express their political opinions and views, and they rather have unpleasant feelings towards foreigners discussing such topics.
Finns value accuracy very much. If you have agreed on a joint trip and do not have time to arrive on time, be sure to warn about the delay. Otherwise, you will be treated as a frivolous person.
Going on a visit without an invitation is regarded as an extraordinary phenomenon. In order to come to visit, it is necessary to warn the owner two weeks in advance. This time is enough to mentally prepare the host for your visit and, of course, you. Dropping in without an invitation is out of the question.
When meeting, as in many other countries, handshakes are used. In the same way, the Finns greet each other, and not only men, but also the fair sex shake hands. If you meet several people at once, you should first shake hands with women, then men. It is worth remembering that in Finland you should not start conversations with strangers.
Finns value their personal space very much, they do not like unnecessary physical contacts. When talking, do not touch the shoulder of the interlocutor or pat him on the back, this is regarded as familiarity. Finns address each other with "you" or by name. Middle names are not established.
Finns will prefer national products to any imported goods. Even if the imported product wins in price.
Despite their silence, these people are hospitable, open and kind people. Don't be surprised if you are regularly treated to coffee. The country is the world leader in the consumption of this drink.
When you meet a person with ski poles walking down the street in the summer, do not rush to be surprised. It's just a national sport called Nordic Walking.
Tipping is not accepted, as they are usually already included in the price of the service. However, if staying at the hotel left the most favorable impressions, then you can write an additional amount on the check or leave it in cash.
The minibus to Helsinki Airport runs regularly, but don't be surprised if you suddenly see deer on the streets. This is not a local mode of transport, but simply in the northern cities of the country this is quite a common occurrence.
An integral part of Finland is the holding of festivals, the number of which exceeds 70 per year. These are festivals of various genres - holidays of dance, theater, ballet and opera, music and much more.
National holidays in Finland
April - Good Friday, Easter
May - Ascension
May-June - Trinity
6th November - Swedish Culture Day
A European country with beautiful northern landscapes, numerous rivers and lakes, as well as the famous birthplace of Santa Claus - Lapland. There are special traditions, customs, characters.
Finns are extremely friendly and straightforward people. In most cases, they tend to be polite, calm and correct behavior. The inhabitants of Finland highly value thoroughness and slowness in business, but this is not dictated by physiology at all (according to a common stereotype), but by common sense. Harsh natural conditions force you to carefully consider your actions in order to get the desired result.
Many people think that Finns are conservative, even somewhat old-fashioned. They tend to carefully preserve and pass on family traditions from generation to generation. Finns have great respect for their own culture, carefully observe national customs.
Population
The population of Finland is about 5.1 million people. The most common nationality (about 93%) are Finns. Swedes also live in the country (about 6%), as well as the inhabitants of Lapland, the Saami, Karelian peoples, gypsies and Tatars.
Finland has a fairly long life expectancy, averaging 78.66 years.
Language
There are two official state languages in Finland: Finnish, which is spoken by 93.5% of the population, and Swedish, used by 5.9% of the population. Russian, Estonian, Tatar and Karelian languages are also in use. And in the tourism and business sectors, English and German are widely spoken.
The inhabitants of the northern regions speak the Sami language. It has a special status in the country (the 1992 Sámi Language Law). For example, important decisions of the Finnish government must be translated into Sami.
Religion
About 85% of the population of Finland professes Lutheranism, 1.1% - Orthodox Christianity. Despite the undoubted predominance of Lutherans in the country, both the Evangelical Lutheran and the Orthodox Church of Finland have state status.
You can meet representatives of other religions, for example, Muslims. And about 13% of the population do not identify themselves with any of the confessions.
Behavior rules
Finnish laws of etiquette are quite common for northern European countries, however, a Russian person, accustomed to wide and not too forced communication, needs to remember a few rules.
When meeting, as in many other countries, handshakes are used. In the same way, the Finns greet each other, and not only men, but also the fair sex shake hands. If you meet several people at once, you should first shake hands with women, then men. It is worth remembering that in Finland you should not start conversations with strangers.
Many gestures that are considered natural in Russian culture can be misunderstood by Finns. So, to cross your arms on your chest means to demonstrate an arrogant attitude towards the interlocutor, and to keep your hands in your pockets during a conversation is to show negligence, almost rudeness.
Finns value their personal space very much, they do not like unnecessary physical contacts. When talking, do not touch the shoulder of the interlocutor or pat him on the back, this is regarded as familiarity.
Finland values equality between the sexes. Therefore, concessions to women can be understood as an insult to their independence. So, in a restaurant it is customary for everyone to pay their bill, although you can offer a lady to pay for her, this is a courtesy.
In a conversation with a Finn, one should not use gestures too violently and raise the tone of voice, as well as interrupt the interlocutor. This is considered a sign of rudeness. According to the customs of the Finns, only commoners are allowed to speak loudly or laugh uncontrollably. A truly educated person is calm and moderately silent.
Special rules apply to guests. It is impossible to run along the path without warning. They prepare for a home reception for a long time, planning refreshments, entertainment and gifts. It is better to give locally produced goods, the Finns are very patriotic in this matter.
Finns address each other with "you" or by name. Middle names are not established.
Eating on the go is not accepted in Finland.
National Finnish holidays
- January 1 - New Year.
- January 6 - Epiphany.
- February 5 - Runeberg Day.
- April 2-5 - Easter.
- May 1 - Spring Festival "Vapunpäivä".
- May 9 - Mother's Day.
- May 17 - Day of Remembrance of the dead.
- May 13 - Ascension.
- May 23 - Trinity.
- June 20 - Midsummer Day.
- October 10 - Alexi Kivi Day.
- October 31 - All Saints Day. November 6 - Swedish Culture Day.
- November 8 - Father's Day.
- December 6 - Independence Day.
- December 25-26 - Christmas.
Finland is a country with rather specific traditions. Finnish customs are sacredly observed and passed down from generation to generation, so, at first glance, they seem somewhat conservative. However, this, perhaps, is the originality of Finnish traditions.
There are legends about the restraint and slowness of this people, but this way of behavior is not only a feature of the temperament of people. This is an ancient, ingrained custom - in the old days, loud conversation and behavior were permissible only among commoners. Silence, thoroughness, equanimity served as signs of aristocracy. Our fast-paced time has hardly affected this way of assessing, and the Finns are still somewhat wary of loud-voiced and overly mobile people.
It is not customary for Finns to visit for any trifling occasion. Even a visit to friends and relatives is a significant event, for which both the hosts and guests are preparing for almost two weeks. Everything should be thought out to the smallest detail - the program of the evening, and the table, and the gift.
By the way, about gifts. It is undesirable to give the Finns any imported thing. They are great patriots, and they are sure that the goods of local producers are the best in the world. Therefore, even the most expensive and exclusive gift from some famous foreign couturier does not cause them special delight.
Finns are punctual. We can say that accuracy for this people is the key to well-being. Being late for a meeting without prior warning, which among some of us is considered commonplace, the Finn may regard as frivolity, and simply cease to treat the delayed person with due respect.
The most traditional hobbies of Finns are considered to be fishing, skiing and sauna. Finland's relatively small population of about 4.8 million people has almost 1 million saunas. A visit to the sauna is a ritual for a Finn. Therefore, saunas are mainly built for a small number of people.
For a bath, they usually choose a quiet, peaceful place somewhere on the lake. Here the Finns not only wash themselves - they recuperate and find peace of mind.
The Finns are equally passionate about fishing. In Finland, there are several tens of thousands of lakes, so there is where to turn around! However, the Finns are very sensitive to nature, so they never allow themselves to catch more fish than they need at the moment, no matter how good the bite is. Real fishermen - Finns use only basic fishing gear and do not allow the use of electronic rods or similar modern arsenal of fishermen.
Fishing in Finland requires a license. They are sold anywhere - in police stations, in the relevant city departments, in special machines and even libraries.
Finns love dogs very much. This is also one of the unchanging traditions, because they are the descendants of hunters, for whom the dog is the first assistant and friend. Every fifth Finnish family has a dog that is as phlegmatic and well-mannered as its owners.
There are almost no stray dogs in Finland - the animal shelter service works very well here. Kennel clubs established in the 19th century are actively working in the country. For dogs, special areas for walking are being built, there are many specialized stores selling dog care products and food. The Finnish Animal Welfare Society diligently monitors the condition of dogs, their nutrition and health.
Finns are very fond of sports. Love for him is instilled from childhood. The country allocates almost 70% of its budget for the development of sports. Sports and health work is very actively developed here.
Physical education, to one degree or another, is practiced by all Finns, from the smallest to the elderly. On the streets of Finnish cities, you can often see a very elderly person who enthusiastically does sports exercises in any weather.
Finns especially love orienteering and skiing. There are more than 140 ski centers in the country, where ski runs are for everyone - both for those who are professional skiers and for those who just love skiing.
In February, most people in Finland go on a so-called ski vacation to Lapland.
Each Finn is very careful about the traditions of his people. Perhaps this is the most basic Finnish tradition - to honor the customs of one's own country and be true to one's culture.
In the culture of Finland national motives and traditions are strong, but at the same time it cannot be called conservative. Finland has always been strongly influenced by Sweden, Swedish is the second official language here. Russian culture hardly left its mark, and secession from Russia in 1917 intensified the search for Finnish national identity and sharpened the sense of patriotism. Finnish patriotism is manifested in everything: from love for ethnic holidays to loyalty to domestic producers of goods.
The Finns never tire of being proud of their Kalevala epic, whose plots have inspired painters and filmmakers throughout the 20th century. The texts of ancient runes can be heard in the songs of the modern rock band Amorphis. February 28 is the day when, in 1835, the first copies of the Kalevala were published, carefully collected by Elias Lönnrot. For more than a century, official themed holidays have been held in Finland on this day and the Kalevala Carnival is a colorful spectacle on the streets of big cities.
Interestingly, another Finnish literary achievement that has gained worldwide fame is also based on fairy tales and myths. We are talking about children's books by Tove Jannson, a Finnish artist and writer. The heroes of her stories are the Moomin trolls, fabulous creatures born of Scandinavian mythology and Tove's fantasy. Their funny adventures, always filled with humor and a philosophical attitude to life, are loved by readers from all over the world. Thousands of people unite in fan clubs of these children's characters. Not far from the Finnish city of Turku is the Moomin Park, where you and your children can plunge into the world of a good fairy tale. The park is open during the summer season, because in winter the Moomin trolls hibernate.
It should be noted that the mythology of the Finnish forests inspired the world-famous J.R.R. Tolkien.
Modern Finns are very fond of everything related to Scandinavian myths and the Middle Ages. If you are thinking about how to diversify your summer holidays in Finland, without a doubt, go to one of the many festivals of the Middle Ages. One of the most popular is the Annual Medieval Festival in Turku. It gathers hundreds of tourists and involves all townspeople and guests in its action. Trade shops with treats are set up on the Old Square, master classes in traditional crafts are held. Here and there on the old streets of the city you can see scenes from the life of medieval Turku. Knightly tournaments and evening theatrical performances are spectacular spectacles that will help you feel the magic of time.
The best proof that in Finnish culture tradition and modernity coexist perfectly - this is the world fame of Finnish design. Love for national roots and mythology did not in the least prevent Finnish furniture designers from the 30s of the XX century from creating objects that fit perfectly into the modern world of globalism. The Paimio armchair, made in 1933 by designer Alvar Aalto, using new plywood processing technologies, is still popular in Nordic style interiors. In the 1960s, the plastic ball chair by designer Ero Aarnio conquered the world, after which he also created the bubble chair and the flat chair. Modern Finnish interior and furniture design is the epitome of Finnish character. It combines restraint and comfort, love for natural materials and modern technologies.
Furniture designers are not far behind and Finnish fashion designers. Many Finnish brands are popular in Europe and the USA. Designers such as Mai Niemi, Paola Suhonen, Minna Parikka create original pieces using traditional Karelian ornaments and experimenting with form and color. Updating your wardrobe in the boutiques of Finnish fashion designers, you can be sure that you keep up with global trends.
As you already understood, penetrate Finnish culture you can easily and naturally, walking through medieval fairs, amusement parks and shopping centers. But, of course, for lovers of artistic impressions, the "Land of a Thousand Lakes" is fraught with thousands of opportunities. In the capital of Finland, Helsinki, you can visit the Finnish National Theater and the Finnish National Opera. In total, there are 20 theaters in the capital of Finland, which present classical and modern dramaturgy. Almost every major city has its own symphony orchestra, and the performing arts are at their best here.
Art museums present the achievements of Finnish painting, which began to develop as an independent national school from the middle of the 19th century. It is interesting that among the successful painters of the 19th century there are also women, which is very rare for European countries of that time.
Contemporary art museums in Finland often occupy buildings of former industrial facilities. Thus, the Cable Factory in Helsinki, former printing houses in Espoo and Tampere were transferred to curators and artists. One of the most popular contemporary art museums in Helsinki, Kiasma, is housed in an ultra-modern building. Traditional works and modern installations are harmoniously combined here, and avant-garde musicians perform in a small concert hall.
Music in Finland has a special relationship. During the summer, many cities host music festivals outdoors. The range of passions is wide: rock (festivals in Turku, Helsinki, Jämsä), jazz, tango (Pori Jazz and Tango Fair in Seinajoki), classical music (Savonlinna Opera Festival), electronics (indie rock festival and electronic music in Helsinki). Music festival in Finland is a great way to have a good time outdoors, meet interesting people and enjoy high-quality, sometimes unexpected music. Finns love musical experiments. One of them - metal on cellos from the group Apocalyptica - gained worldwide fame.
Public holidays in Finland (weekends)
January 1 - New Year's Eve celebration (shops are closed, and December 31 and January 2 are working days).
January 6 - Baptism or Epiphany.
April 5, 20915 - Easter, lasts 4 days (dates for the following years: 2016 - March 27, 2017 - April 16, 2018 - April 1, 2019 - April 21, 2020 - April 12). Shops are closed for the first two Easter days.
May 1 - Spring Festival "Vapunpäivä" (shops closed).
May 28 (every year the date changes, on Thursdays) - Ascension.
May-June - Pentecost (Helluntai).
June 20 - Midsummer's Day (always celebrated on Saturday).
November 1-2 - All Saints' Day and Memorial Day.
December 6 - Finnish Independence Day (all shops are closed).
December 24-26 - Christmas: on Christmas Eve, the 24th, shops close at noon; 25 - everything is closed; on the second day of Christmas, the 26th, shops are open from 12 to 16, grocery - until 18 hours; The 27th is a working day, the start of Christmas sales.
National holidays in Finland (working days)
In addition to the main large-scale holidays, other memorable dates are celebrated in Finland, however, unlike state celebrations, these days are not made days off.
February 5 is the Day of the Finnish national poet Runeberg, he is the author of the National Anthem of Finland.
On February 14, instead of the usual Valentine's Day, Finland celebrates Friends Day.
Finns celebrate February 21 "Fat Tuesday"(Laskiainen).
February 28 - Day of the national epic "Kalevala".
On March 8, Finland traditionally celebrates International Women's Day.
On March 19, there are two holidays at once: Equality Day and Minna Kant's Day.
April 9 is Mikael Agricola Day, or Finnish Language Day.
April 27 is National Veterans Day.
May 12 - Finnish Culture Day.
May 13 - Mother's Day.
May 16 - Day of Remembrance of the victims.
June 4 - Day Finnish flag and Finnish Defense Forces Day.
July 6 - Day Eino Leino.
October 10 is Finnish Literature Day, aka Alexis Kivi Day.
October 24 is the International Day of the United Nations.
November 6 is Swedish Culture Day in Finland.
11th of November - Father's Day.
December 8 - Finnish Music Day, or Jean Sibelius Day.
December 13 - Lucia Day.
