Language/Finnish/Culture/Finnish-Holidays-and-Festivals
As a Finnish language teacher, I believe that learning about Finnish culture and traditions is essential to truly understand and appreciate the language. In this lesson, we will explore some of the most popular Finnish holidays and festivals.
Christmas - Joulu
Christmas or Joulu is one of the most important holidays in Finland. The celebration starts on December 24th, and Finnish people usually decorate their houses with candles, lights, and ornaments. A traditional Finnish Christmas dinner includes dishes like ham, casseroles, and beetroot salad. On Christmas day, many families attend church services and spend time together.
Here's a table with some useful Christmas-related vocabulary:
Finnish | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
Joulukuusi | ['jouluˌkuusi] | Christmas tree |
Glögi | ['gløgi] | Mulled wine |
Joulupukki | ['jouluˌpukki] | Santa Claus |
Joululahja | ['jouluˌlɑhjɑ] | Christmas present |
Easter - Pääsiäinen
Easter or Pääsiäinen is another popular holiday in Finland. The celebration usually starts on Good Friday and lasts until Easter Monday. Finnish people often decorate their homes with birch branches and colorful feathers. They also enjoy traditional Easter dishes, such as mämmi (rye pudding), pasha (a dessert made of quark and raisins), and chocolate eggs.
Here's a table with some useful Easter-related vocabulary:
Finnish | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
Pääsiäismuna | ['pæ:sijæisˌmunɑ] | Easter egg |
Tipu | ['tipu] | Chick |
Pasha | ['pɑʃɑ] | Pasha (dessert) |
Mämmi | ['mæmmi] | Rye pudding |
Midsummer - Juhannus
Midsummer or Juhannus is celebrated on the weekend between June 19th and 25th. Finnish people usually spend Midsummer at their summer cottages, where they enjoy Finnish sauna, barbecues, and bonfires. It is also customary to decorate the houses with birch branches and flowers.
Here's a table with some useful Midsummer-related vocabulary:
Finnish | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
Juhannussimaa | ['juhɑnnusˌsimɑː] | Midsummer country (someone's summer cottage) |
Saunominen | ['sɑu̯nomiˌnen] | Sauna bathing |
Kokko | ['kokko] | Bonfire |
Särä | ['særæ] | Mutton and potatoes, boiled in salty water |
Vappu - May Day
Vappu or May Day is celebrated on May 1st and is considered as the Finnish Labor Day. Finnish students usually wear white student caps and participate in a series of traditional celebrations. People also enjoy picnics and outdoor activities, including drinking sima (a Finnish fermented lemonade) and eating tippaleipä (deep-fried doughnut sticks).
Here's a table with some useful May Day-related vocabulary:
Finnish | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
Vappu | ['vɑppu] | May Day |
Sima | ['simɑ] | Sima (fermented lemonade) |
Tippaleipä | ['tipːɑleipæ] | Deep-fried doughnut sticks |
Serpentiini | ['serpentɪˌni] | Serpentine streamers |
I hope this overview of Finnish holidays and festivals has been informative and entertaining. By understanding Finnish traditions and customs, you'll be better equipped to communicate with native speakers and immerse yourself in the Finnish culture.
Sources
Videos
Finnish Holidays - Seinäjoki Tango Festival - YouTube
Finnish Holidays - Easter - pääsiäinen - YouTube
Finnish Holidays - Mother's Day - äitienpäivä - YouTube
FINNISH CHRISTMAS! Christmas celebration in FINLAND ...
Finnish Holidays - Epiphany - loppiainen - YouTube
Related Lessons
- Finnish Traditional Crafts
- Finnish Society and Values
- Finnish Mythology and Legends
- Finland Timeline
- Finnish Classic Literature
- Finnish Sauna
- Finnish Film Industry
- Finnish Music and Arts
- Finnish Contemporary Literature
- Finnish Cuisine