Essentials of Finnishness

Quietness

I do honestly think that the favorite sound of the Finnish People is silence. We like it when there’s no sound and you don’t have to talk. Especially if you don’t have anything important to say you tend to keep it quiet if you’re a Finn. The Finnish nature is also quiet and really beautiful, there’s nothing quite like going to a forest in Finland and just enjoying the quietness of the forest and nature. Now some foreigners might think that it is rude for us Finns to remain silent and that we have silent gaps in our conversations, but I’d like to think that it is our way of enjoying the moment and respecting one another. I think it’s therapeutic and calming for a Finn to remain silent and one of the reasons why we tend to do it.

Nature

As mentioned before the Finnish nature is beautiful. The Finnish landscape is covered mostly by coniferous taiga forests and fens, with little cultivated land. Of the total area 10% is lakes, rivers and ponds, and 78% forest. The forest consists of birch,spruce, pine and other species. If you’re lucky enough you might have the chance to experience the Northern Lights  in Finland. It is a truly magical sight and one that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Sauna

Ah yes the sauna. A classic and a cliche but a must if you’re talking about Finnishness. The sauna is a holy place to us Finns, a place where you can relax and remove your stress and be all by yourself. In the old days sauna was used as a cure for diseases. The Finnish sauna is a substantial part of Finnish culture. There are five million inhabitants and over three million saunas in Finland – an average of one per household.Saunas are an integral part of the way of life in Finland. They are found on the shores of Finland’s numerous lakes, in private apartments, corporate headquarters.The sauna is an important part of the national identity and those who have the opportunity usually take a sauna at least once a week. The traditional sauna day is Saturday.