Finland, My Home
I’ve lived abroad and seen the world, but no place feels like home quite like Finland.
I’ve lived abroad and seen the world, but no place feels like home quite like Finland.
This is a blog about my wonderful thoughts about what's it like being a finn.
Finland is often described as one of the best countries in the world to live in, and for good reason. Growing up here has shown me how trust, fairness, and well-functioning systems shape everyday life and make Finland a safe and reliable place to call home.
Finnishness is not always easy to explain, but it can be felt in everyday moments. In this post, I reflect on what makes Finnish culture special to me.
How did I experience the Finnishness?
Finnishess is a mix of pride yet humble, content yet pessimistic.
Some thoughts about Finnishness.
Silence, calmness and connections are the main values of Finnishness
A few thoughts on how surrounding buildings represent Finnishness for me.
This blog tells how I, a Finnish person, sees Finnishness and how it shapes the Finnish culture and people.
A bit about the luxury of free space we have in Finland, it's clean nature, waters and reliability.
Finnish culture is full of traditions that connect people with nature and each other. For me, two of the most meaningful ones are the sauna and ice swimming. They might seem simple, but together they reveal a lot about what it means to be Finnish.
Finnishness through nature
For me, Finnishness is peace, silence, and contentment. It’s a long weekend at the cottage, a sauna, morning swims in the misty lake, a cup of Juhla Mokka from a blue-and-white Marimekko mug, a long stare out of the window into the emptiness and the freedom of not having to fill the silence with unnecessary words. It’s also so much more.
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.
In this blog post, I delve into and describe my personal experience of what it means to be Finnish.
My thoughts about Finnishness.
Finland might be a small Nordic country, but Finnishness is rich and multifaceted, shaped by a history of resilience, a connection to nature, and an emphasis on equality and honesty. Many elements of Finnish culture are unique, and as the world becomes more interconnected, people are increasingly fascinated by the values, lifestyle, and traditions that define Finnish identity.
My experience of Finnishness is all about the unique blend of nature, freedom, and community that makes this country so special. A lot of people picture Finland as a country with amazing scenery, including thousands of lakes and snowy wilderness areas. Indeed, Finland is often celebrated for its natural beauty, and I really appreciate the tranquil serenity that comes with it.
Sauna and the countryside: two pillars of Finnish culture