The geographical and historical aspects have had a huge impact on the Culture of Finland. Though Finland was under the Swedish and the Russian domains it has a separate and unique identity. Festivals, literature, music, theater and traditions are all products of Finland’s culture. Another important facet of the culture of Finland is the language.
The Finnish realm was occupied by settlers as early as 8000 BC. Later in the 13th century the Swedes took over and later the Russians reigned in the realm until the Finns finally established their independent state. The culture of Finland therefore is quite an admixture of both the Swedish and the Russian cultures. Most of the natives were part of the Nordic tribe and therefore Finns are genetically similar to Germans. However the Finns have their own language Finnish which has very little similarity with the German dialect.
The culture of Finland has also influenced its people. The Finns believe in austerity and determination. It is popularly believed that suomalaisella sisulla or the Finnish guts define a true Finn. Family structure in Finland is nuclear. However, the culture of Finland finds its true reflection in the festivities and ceremonies. The Finns follow the Western Christian calendar and Protestant traditions.
Joulu, is the Finnish Christmas and a time for a couple of days of festivities. The Christmas holidays begin on the 23rd of December and continue till 26th December, which marks the birth centenary of St. Stephen. Christmas means the lovely Christmas meals and Santa. In Finland too these are the two things without which Christmas is rather incomplete. Easter is celebrated with a difference.
Since the region had its beginning way before the advent of Christ there are some pagan traditions that are still followed. Easter in Finland combines both the Christian and the pre-Christian beliefs. ‘Virpominen’ is celebrated by the children. They dress as witches and go from door to door giving gifts to the people. Another completely pagan festival is the Juhannus. Vappu or the Finnish Walpurgis Night is the annual carnival.
Finnish literature today comprises mostly of the works produced during the Finnish Romantic Movement. Two notable literary geniuses of Finland are Elias Lönnrot and Aleksis Kivi. Finnish folk music was made popular by Jean Sibelius. Today the Finnish bands as The Rasmus, HIM, Nightwish and Stratovarius are well known through out the world.
Authentic online information on Culture of Finland offered only at travel.mapsofworld.
Mapxl.com is a business division of Compare Infobase Limited
Compare Infobase Limited C-62, Community Center, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58 (India) Tel: +91-11- 25542045, 41588013, 41588014 Hotline Nos. : +91-11- 41574999, 41574888, 41574890 You may contact between 08.00 to 20.00 hours IST Fax: + 91-11-25547264 Mobile: +91(0) 9871399025 contactus@mapsofworld.com
