One of the first things that comes to my mind when I think about my Finnish identity is the connection with nature and the changing seasons. From the endless light of summer to the still darkness of winter, nature defines life in Finland. The changing seasons shape our routines, emotions, and way of life. Life in winter feels entirely different from life in summer, from the way we dress to the way we spend our time. Living through the seasons gives my life meaning and shapes how I experience the world. In my mind the Finnish resilience, social harmony, and appreciation of silent moments all stem from the connection with nature.
Language is another crucial part of my Finnish identity. Language determines how we express ourselves and what we can express. To me, expressing myself in English is vastly different from how I express myself in Finnish. Certain emotions and ideas feel easier to express in Finnish because the words carry more meaning to me and some Finnish words express ideas and values that are hard to translate directly into other languages. Language ties us to our culture and history; it carries our memories and traditions, and it conveys our sense of humour and our way of seeing the world.
My family and family history play a major role in my Finnish identity. Half of my family heritage comes from Karelia, and the other half comes from Lapland, while I myself was born in Pirkanmaa. Through our families, we learn many of our cultural traditions. Food culture, the way we celebrate different events, and even the way we speak are often inherited from our parents and grandparents. The stories of previous generations connect us to our past and remind us of where we came from.
Finnishness can mean different things to everyone. Different regions, dialects, traditions, and experiences shape our identities in different ways. For some, Finnishness means quietness and independence. For others, Finnishness can mean equality, honesty, and trust in society. For some, Finnishness might mean none of these things. To me, Finnishness is ultimately about connection — connection to nature, language, family, history, and the rhythms of life in the north. It is something both deeply personal and collectively shared.
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