Language/Finnish/Culture/Finnish-Society-and-Values

Finnish Culture → Finnish Traditions and Customs → Finnish Society and Values

As a Finnish language teacher with 20 years of experience, I believe that understanding Finnish society and cultural values is essential to truly mastering the language. In this lesson, we will delve into the unique characteristics that define Finnish society and explore the customs and traditions that make it so rich and fascinating.

Finnish Society

Finnish society is known for its egalitarianism, honesty, and trustworthiness. These values are deeply ingrained in the culture and influence nearly every aspect of Finnish life. Finnish people are known for their modesty, and boasting or bragging is generally viewed negatively.

One of the keys to understanding Finnish society is the concept of "sisu," which could be roughly translated as perseverance, resilience, or grit. Sisu is seen as a defining characteristic of the Finnish national character and has played a key role in Finland's history and development as a nation.

Another important aspect of Finnish society is the emphasis on nature and the outdoors. Finland is a land of forests, lakes, and islands, and Finns have a deep appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of their natural surroundings. Hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities are popular pastimes, and the Finnish tradition of spending time at a summer cottage by the lake or sea is deeply ingrained in the culture.

Finnish Values

Finnish people value honesty, integrity, and respect for others. These values are reflected in the way that Finns interact with each other and with outsiders. They are also reflected in the Finnish legal system, which is known for its transparency and fairness.

Another important value in Finnish culture is the concept of "jokamiehen oikeudet," or "everyman's rights," which gives people the right to access and enjoy the natural environment, even on private land. This means that anyone can fish, swim, hike, or pick berries in Finland's forests and countryside, as long as they do so responsibly and respectfully.

Yet another important Finnish value is gender equality. Finland was the first country in the world to grant women full political rights, and today women are an integral part of Finnish society and the workforce. Finland also has one of the lowest gender pay gaps in the world.

Finnish Customs

Finnish customs are deeply rooted in the country's history and natural surroundings. Many Finnish customs revolve around the changing of the seasons, such as the celebration of "juhannus" (Midsummer) in June, when Finns gather at summer cottages to celebrate the longest day of the year.

Another important Finnish custom is the sauna. Saunas are an integral part of Finnish life, and many people have a sauna in their home or at their summer cottage. Saunas are viewed as a place to relax, unwind, and purify both body and mind. It is also customary to jump into a cold lake or roll in the snow after a sauna session.

Food is another important aspect of Finnish culture, and traditional Finnish cuisine reflects the country's history and natural surroundings. Finnish cuisine is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some popular Finnish dishes include "karjalanpaisti" (Karelian stew), "kalakukko" (fish pie), and "riisipuuro" (rice pudding).

Conclusion

As you can see, Finnish society and culture are rich and complex, with many unique values, customs, and traditions that define the Finnish national character. Understanding these cultural elements is essential to truly mastering the Finnish language and becoming a part of the wider Finnish community.

Sources:

• Culture of Finland
• Finnish cuisine

Table of Contents - Finnish Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Finnish

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Nouns and Adjectives

• Noun Cases
• Adjective Agreement

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-20
• Telling Time

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

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Daily Activities

• Daily Routine
• Hobbies and Leisure

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Questions and Negation

• Forming Questions
• Negation

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Food and Dining

• Food Vocabulary
• Dining Out

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Prepositions and Postpositions

• Prepositions
• Postpositions

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

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Finnish Culture and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Finnish Sauna

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Weather and Seasons

• Weather Vocabulary
• Seasons

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Conjunctions and Subordinate Clauses

• Conjunctions
• Subordinate Clauses

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

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Finnish Literature and Music

• Finnish Literature
• Finnish Music