Traditions of Finland: customs, features of the national character, culture

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:55

Many of us joke about Finns. These people are considered very slow, they do everything slowly, they speak for a long time and drawn out. But we decided to dig deeper and get rid of the stereotypes that exist in society. What are they, the traditions of Finland? What is special about this country? How do Finns live and how do they relate to certain things? We offer a brief introduction to the traditions of Finland.

Attitude to the word, or speech etiquette

The Finns communicate according to very conservative patterns. First, they never chatter or shout. Loud speech frightens the inhabitants of this Scandinavian country in the same way as ringing laughter or any other vivid expression of emotions. During a conversation, it is customary to look into the eyes of the interlocutor, and any inclination to look away is regarded as cunning. It is customary to resolve any dispute or disagreement not with screams and scandals, but with a peaceful discussion at the table - this tradition of Finland has been preserved since ancient times.

Along with all this, the Finns are closely watching thein your own words, and behind the speech of the interlocutor. Their folk saying goes: "The bull is taken by the horns, but the man is caught at his word." It is also important to note that these northern people are more than educated in terms of communication. No one interrupts a person who is saying something until he has finished his thought. Otherwise, it will be considered as ignorance and disrespect.

About Finnish hospitality

Receiving guests is a sacred thing. It is customary for us to drop in for a cup of tea on the way to the store without warning. In Finland, the traditions are such that they prepare for the arrival of guests for a long time and carefully. They clean the dwelling, prepare generous treats, set the table beautifully and serve the most delicious drinks. Gifts are expected from those who come to visit. Moreover, we note that the Finns are very fond of things produced in their native country. Here is such patriotism and conservatism in terms of friendly visits and visits.

About a man and a woman

But in terms of relations between the sexes, Finland has stepped a few steps forward compared to our country. Let's start with the fact that it is not customary for either men or women to be late for dates here. Relationships begin to be built on equal rights with respect and understanding of the tastes and preferences of the other person. In restaurants, as a rule, everyone pays their own bill. However, in some cases, the gentleman may offer the lady to pay for it. She, of course, is unlikely to agree to this, but she will put a plus on thisguy. People value politeness in each other, pay attention to how a person relates to national culture, what are his life priorities. It is extremely important to remember that Finnish women value their freedom and personal space. Even when they are in a relationship, they will not tolerate prohibitions and barriers to the realization of their own "I".

About tips

This sensitive issue is individual not only for each individual country, but also for each city. In Finland, the tradition of tipping waiters has a place in the culture, but not much attention is paid to it. First of all, we note that a huge stream of emigrants flock here, who, as a rule, occupy service positions. It is worth remembering that these people a priori need funds, so "tea" will not hurt them. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 10 to 20 percent of the check amount. In a taxi, round up the amount in favor of the driver without asking for change. In hotels, foreigners often leave tips, but local staff do not rely on these funds.

Cheers

The culture and traditions of Finland, as we have already found out, are very conservative. Therefore, the greeting process here is extremely modest and quiet. Men and women greet each other in the same way, shaking hands. Young girls, like all over the world, started kissing each other on the cheek when they met, but so far this phenomenon is rare on the streets of Finland. Touching shoulders, elbows, hugs,that follow the handshake - all this the Finns do not accept and do not even understand. In general, they are very reserved people. There are not even kissing couples on the streets. These Scandinavians are simply not used to expressing their feelings in front of everyone and embarrassing others.

Sauna and fishing are a persistent Finnish stereotype

The steam room has been a symbol of Finland and Russia for centuries. And if it is customary for us to call it a bath, then the northern neighbors call it a sauna. Some people constantly like to emphasize the differences between our steam room and the Finnish one, but they are completely insignificant. An ancient proverb says: "First build a sauna, then a house." In ancient times, the Finns did just that, since it was in this room that their whole life consisted. Here they did not just relax and enjoy the hot air currents. In the sauna they bathed, gave birth, were treated and even smoked sausage!

Sauna is inextricably linked with fishing. This is an age-old tradition of the people of Finland, which was born for a very interesting reason. The fact is that steam rooms have always been built in the most picturesque places, and those were the shores of lakes. It was in these reservoirs that they caught fish, which could then be smoked and eaten with beer or kvass, steaming in the sauna.

From hunting to dog breeding

We all know that the ancient northern peoples were very cruel. They loved not only to fight, but also to hunt, and then cut off the heads of their trophies and hang them in huge living rooms right on the walls. Similar interior with reindeerheads are still considered primordially Finnish, but, fortunately, today the heads of the once living inhabitants of the forest are most often replaced by stuffed animals. Hunting in Finland has been transformed into a love for animals and a policy to protect their rights. In particular, the Finns are very fond of dogs, there are more pet shops in the country than beauty salons. Politicians also monitor the observance of the rights and orders in relation to our smaller brothers.

He althy lifestyle

Many traditions and customs of Finland have been formed over many centuries. But the desire to preserve their own he alth and physical fitness has become relevant recently. It all started with the anti-promotion of tobacco, during which most of the population of Finland quit smoking. This allowed more people, firstly, to save money, and secondly, to stock up on strength for sports. It is easy to guess that skiing will be very popular in the northern country. Finns constantly travel to the north of their homeland and hone their skills in this sport.