When I first read the prompt for this blog I found it hard to describe what Finnishness means to me. Mostly because it’s something I don’t really think about. Feeling Finnish or thinking about Finnishness is mostly something that slowly sneaks up on me while I am far from home. It can manifest itself in missing a certain type of bread, craving a certain candy or simply missing the quietness of everyday life.
Living abroad twice has given me a new appreciation for the peace and safety that Finland offers. Although I’ve had the opportunity to experience different cultures, there’s something truly unique about the sense of security and tranquility that defines life in Finland. It’s hard to put into words, but it's the peace in our daily lives, the clean air, the open spaces, and knowing that my whole family is here with me. Finland is more than just a place, it’s where I feel truly at home.
Finnishness to me is firstly about feeling safe and being grateful about living in such a beautiful country.
I am 29 year old woman, who has moved to Finland at 6 years old. My first nationality thus is Hungarian. I identify as a hungarian as well as a finnish person. It has been a priviledge to learn two languages when growning up. Finland is a very dear country for me and I consider it to be one of my two homes.
Finnishness for me These are the 3 things that first came to my mind when asked “what is Finnishness” they may not be the best description of our culture but what I have learned to appreciate.
Finnishness is rooted in opposite ends of the spectrum for me - it's minus 20 degrees outside, so we heat up the sauna so it can be 80 degrees; in the summer days don't end and in the winters they don't start and even the nature around us is either barren or incredibly alive.
What Finnishness Means to Me To me, Finnishness is defined by dark days and sunny nights, solitude and community, and, of course, salmiakki.
Finnishness, to me, means many things, but what I love most is the stillness. There’s something magical about experiencing Finnish summers, hearing birds chirping outside your window, or the quiet of winter when people stay indoors, enjoying their favorite podcasts. It’s in the laughter shared with friends, sipping coffee while soaking up the sun. For me, Finnishness is about embracing life’s little moments, even when the sun doesn’t shine as brightly.
Finnishness for me is sun never setting in summer and sun never showing in winter.
When thinking about life in Finland, darkness and sauna are the most prominent things on my mind.
Finnishness is a unique blend of simplicity, resilience, and a profound connection to nature. Living in Finland has offered me a glimpse into a culture that values silence as much as it values honesty, and where even the smallest traditions carry deep meaning. Join me as I reflect on my experiences and observations about what makes Finnishness so remarkable.
The Whiteness of Finnishness comes from the strength of quietness and darkness
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