Aleksis Kivi

Traditions & Culture in Finland

I have listed below some traditions and culture in Finland:

Pääsiäinen - Easter in Finland
Easter in Finland is called Pääsiäinen where people eat mämmi.

Runeberg Day - Runebergin päivä - in Finland

On there is Runeberg Day in Finland (February 5th) people eat Runeberg cakes.

Sahti
Sahti - Traditional beer from Finland made from a variety of grains, malted and unmalted, including barley, rye, wheat, and oats.

Cloudy, mildly alcoholic beer with yeasty and phenolic flavors and distinct taste similar to banana.

Source: Wikipedia
GNU Free Documentation License


Salmiakki
Salmiakki - A variety of liquorice that contains a relatively large amount of ammonium chloride in addition to the liquorice root extract, sugar, and starch or gum arabic that constitute normal liquorice.

Source: Wikipedia
GNU Free Documentation License


Puukko
The basic components of a puukko are a hilt and a blade along with a sheath, which can be attached to a belt.

The puukko's blade has a single curving edge and a flat back.

Traditional material for the handle is birch. (also Oak, ash, pine bark, horn, scrimshaw and bone).

Finest puukkos have blades of Damascus steel, and forging a blade using blister steel was considered the hallmark of a master smith.

Usage:
Tool for all kinds of carving
Clean the catches of anglers and hunters

Source: Wikipedia
GNU Free Documentation License


Sisu
Sisu is a Finnish term that could be roughly translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity.

Sisu can be either good or bad:
Bad (paha sisu): elentless striving for mischief, persecution and vengeance.

Source: Wikipedia
GNU Free Documentation License


Joulupukki
Joulupukki is a traditional character associated with Christmas in Finnish culture.

The name Joulupukki literally means Yule Goat.

The Finnish word "pukki" comes from the Swedish "bock"

Joulupukki's workshop is situated in Korvatunturi.

He nocks on the front door during the Christmas eve celebration (not coming through the chemney).

Joulupukki has a wife, Joulumuori ("Old Lady Christmas")

Source: Wikipedia
GNU Free Documentation License.


Karelian Pies
Karelian pies - Traditional pasties from the region of Karelia

The common fillings in old times were barley and talkkuna.

In the 19th century they were first introduced potato and buckwheat as new fillings, and later due to trade, also rice and millet.

Recipe can be found here

Source: Wikipedia
GNU Free Documentation License


Kantele
Kantele is a Finnish traditional plucked string instrument.

Oldest forms of kantele have 5 or 6 horsehair strings

Modern concert kanteles can have up to 40 strings.

The kantele has a distinctive bell-like sound.

Players hold the instrument in their laps or on a small table.

Two main techniques to play:
-Plucking the strings with their fingers
-Strumming unstopped strings

Source: Wikipedia
GNU Free Documentation License



Mämmi
Mämmi is made from water, rye flour and powdered rye malt, seasoned with dark molasses, salt and dried, powdered Seville orange peel.

Mämmi is eaten cold with either cream and sugar, vanilla sauce or vanilla ice-cream. It is also eaten spread on top of a slice of bread.

Recipe can be found here


Source: Wikipedia
GNU Free Documentation License


The Kalevala

Book and national epic poem which the Finn Elias Lönnrot compiled

Derived from Finnish and Karelian folklore in the nineteenth century

One of the most significant works of Finnish literature.

Credited with some of the inspiration for the national awakening (Finnish government's independence from that of Russia in 1917)

Kalevala can be interpreted as the "lands of Kaleva"

Consists of 22,795 verses - divided into fifty cantos or "chapters"

Source: Wikipedia
GNU Free Documentation Licence


Provinssirock
Provinssirock in Seinäjoki is one of the biggest rock festivals in Finland and has about 55.000 visitors each year.

http://www.provinssirock.fi/


Stockmann Crazy Days - Hullut Päivät
Every year Stockmann has Hullut Päivät (Crazy Days) where the cities turn yellow (as almost everybody is carrying a yellow shopping bag). On this day the Department Day Stockmann offers every Day certain products on a discounted price.



Lucian Päivä - Lucia Parade
Saint Lucy of Syracuse, also known as Saint Lucia or Saint Lukia was a rich young Christian Martyr who is venerated as a saint by both Catholic and Orthodox Christians.

Clebrated on the longest night of the year (according to the Julius Calendar - December 13th)

Name derived from lux, lucis "light"

Patron saint of those who are blind

Celebrated by members of the Lutheran Church

Saint Lucy's Day celebrations that retain many indigenous Germanic pagan pre-Christian midwinter elements

Source: Wikipedia
[SIZE=1][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_GNU_Free_Documentation_Licen se"]GNU Free